Michael Brandsegg-Nygård scored 9:22 into overtime as Grand Rapids avoided elimination with a 4-3 win over Chicago in Game 3 of the Central Division final at Allstate Arena on Tuesday night.
Game 4 of the best-of-five series is Thursday in Rosemont, with the Wolves still leading 2-1.
Sheldon Dries won a defensive-zone faceoff back Erik Gustafssonwho spread the long pass to Brandsegg-Nygård near the central glacier. The 20-year-old rookie carried the puck over the blue line, separated two defenders and passed behind. Cayden Primeau for his fourth goal — and third game-winner — of the playoffs.
Grand Rapids took a 2-0 lead for the second game in a row Carter Mazur again John Leonard got a goal in the early 4:30. But just like in Game 2, the Wolves bounced back, taking a 3-2 lead in goals. Domenick Fensore, Justin Robidas again Felix Unger Sörum.
Tyler Anglea Game 2 scratch for the Griffins, returned to the lineup and scored a crucial goal with 7:14 left in the second half.
The entire regulation was scoreless, except that Grand Rapids had a 17-3 shooting advantage in the third period.
Primeau (5-3) made 42 Wolves tackles, season Michal Postava (4-3) stopped the Griffins’ 17th shot.
(Chicago leads series, 2-1)
Game 1 – Thursday, May 14 – Chicago 2, GRAND RAPIDS 1
Game 2 – Sat., May 16 – Chicago 4, GRAND RAPIDS 3 (OT)
Game 3 – Tue., May 19 – Grand Rapids 4, CHICAGO 3 (OT)
Game 4 – Thursday, May 21 – Grand Rapids at Chicago, 8:00
*Game 5 – Sat., May 23 – Chicago at Grand Rapids, 7:00
*if necessary… All times in Mpumalanga
