Belleville Senators forward Tyler Randell carries the puck along the boards during a game against the Providence Bruins, at Yardmen Arena, on December 30, 2017. (Photo: Jason Scourse / Belleville Senators)
For the second time in as many games against the Providence Bruins, the Belleville Senators let a two-goal lead slip away, but this time pulled off a win.
Eric Burgdoerfer scored his third goal of the season 1:49 into the extra frame, after Chris DiDomenico skated from blue line to blue line and created the scoring chance.
Belleville jumped in front in the first period when Jim O’Brien burst down the right wing side and deep into the Bruins’ zone, then fired a pinpoint pass out to captain Michael Blunden, who ripped his second of the season past Zane McIntyre.
Belleville led 1-0 after the first period and made it 2-0 about 14:00 into the second as Ethan Werek cleaned up a rebound on the power play.
Belleville Senators forward Ethan Werek screens the goaltender during a game against the Providence Bruins, at Yardmen Arena, on December 30, 2017. (Photo: Jason Scourse / Belleville Senators)
A Chris Breen point shot would find its way past Marcus Hogberg, before the end of the period, to make it 2-1.
The only goal in the third came from Anton Blidh, who tipped in another Breen point shot to tie the game, forcing overtime.
It took less than two minutes of the extra frame for Burgdoerfer to find the back of the net, with Belleville putting a full 60 minute effort together, something coach Kurt Kleinendorst has been stressing for.
Kleinendorst says his team needs to look at what worked and continue to build off of that.
Marcus Hogberg was making his first start of the season and was technically sound and impressive, Kleinendorst felt his team played well in front of their netminder and says goaltending has never been a problem for the club.
Belleville Senators forward Colin White skates into the offensive zone during a game against the Providence Bruins, at Yardmen Arena, on December 30, 2017. (Photo: Jason Scourse / Belleville Senators)
Belleville heads to Toronto for a New Year’s Eve matinee against the Marlies, who they beat on Boxing Day and will look to finish off the 2017 calendar year on a two-game mini win streak.
Gametime from Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto is 3:05 p.m., with pregame coverage starting on 800AM CJBQ at 2:50 p.m.
You can click here to read the full game sheet from Saturday night and see the highlights below.
