By Mtch Bach

Tigers explode with four goals in third period, take 3-0 series lead over Brandon

Mar 28, 2017 | 9:39 PM

DAUPHIN, MB — Whatever was said in the locker room during the second intermission clearly worked.

The Medicine Hat Tigers scored four third period markers on route to a 6-2 thrashing over the Brandon Wheat Kings, giving the Tabbies a massive 3-0 series advantage.

Medicine Hat has the chance to sweep the Wheaties tomorrow night in game four from Dauphin, MB.

With the game tied at two heading into the final frame, the Tigers struck early and often. Mark Rassell scored his team-leading fourth goal of the post season 4:12 into the period. That was partnered with markers from Chad Butcher and Ryan Jevne, both of which their firsts of the playoffs, to give the Tigers a commanding 5-2 lead.

Those four third period goals came complete with a 20-7 shot advantage in the third as well.

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David Quenneville iced down any chance at a late comeback with an empty netter, also serving as his first career playoff marker. The 18-year-old also collected three helpers on the night — adding up to a team-leading eight points in three playoff games.

Although the Wheat Kings are one slip-up away from elimination, a bright spot was highlighted early in the second period. 

15-year-old Ben McCartney recorded his first career WHL goal, in his fourth career WHL game (second in the playoffs). The Macdonald, MB native was drafted by the Wheat Kings in the 2nd round of the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft.

McCarney’s tally tied the game at one after Steven Owre opened the scoring for the Tigers in the first period. John Dahlstrom and Reid Duke collected second period goals tying the game at two with 20 minutes to play.

Michael Bullion continued his impressive post-season campaign, stopping 27 of 29 shots fired his way for his third straight playoff victory. Logan Thompson, who was a game-time decision after leaving Saturday’s contest early with a possible injury, faced 46 shots in the loss.

All eyes now focus to Wednesday night’s clash in Dauphin. Medicine Hat can book it’s ticket to the Eastern Conference semi-finals with a fourth straight victory over the Brandon Wheat Kings.