SOLDOTNA, AK — The Jets took a two-goal lead thanks to all four of their goals coming in the second period, but the Brown Bears came back with four consecutive goals to come away with a win and break the Jets’ win streak at six games on Saturday night.
The second of three games in the series was an infraction-filled contest that saw 32 penalty minutes combined between the two. Seven penalties were called in the second period, which was the most in one period during the game.
Kenai River took advantage of a 5-on-3 power play just before the halfway point of the first that put the home team up to start the game. The goal from rookie Kevin Marx Noren was the only score in the opening 20 minutes.
The second period is where things began to get a bit squirrely. Cy LeClerc sent a shot that many thought rang off the crossbar and stayed out, but after some discussion between the officials, it was ruled a goal on the ice. The conversation continued to the scorers’ table, where the crew eventually confirmed their ruling that resulted in a 1-1 tie. LeClerc’s 22nd goal of the season is the third-most in the NAHL.
Defenseman Grayden Daul put the Jets on top four minutes later after his pass attempt to the back door was blocked by a Brown Bear and deflected in. Daul’s seven goals are the most amongst defensemen on the team this year.
A score from Sean Henry a minute later brought the Brown Bears back to a tie, but the Jets took little time in getting back on top and widening the gap. Jonah Aegerter scored on the power play to again make it a two-goal lead, and less than a minute later, Arsenii Smekhnov scored while shorthanded to give the Jets their largest lead of the night.
The lead was slashed in half after Kenai River, while still on the power play, scored a minute later, bringing the score to 4-3. This started the offensive attack for the Brown Bears of four straight goals to finish the game.
Only 32 seconds into the period and still on a man advantage, Marx Noren scored his second goal of the night, both on the power play, to tie the game at four. Ryan Finch eventually recorded the game-winning goal at 9:32 of the third. Cole Dubicki added one final score while again, on the power play and with the Jets’ net empty to solidify their 6-4 win and end the Jets’ winning streak at six games.
Goaltender Mike D’Orazio made 26 saves on 31 shots in the slow-moving contest and his first start in two weeks. Both teams recorded 32 shots on net.
The Jets will look to start a new winning streak with the finale of the series and final regular-season matchup against the Brown Bears on Sunday night. Puck drop will be a bit earlier than the previous two games, this one at 8 PM CT, so staying up to cheer on the guys will be much easier. We’re happy about it, too! If you’re looking to follow along, you can watch on HockeyTV or hang with our social channels on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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