It started out as a game of deja vu, but tonight would have a different outcome.
Portage registered the first goal 2:46 in to the first. Funk directs his own rebound behind the next to Mickoski who steps out and buries on Grzybowski.
MIckoski scored his 2nd of the series from the slot on a goal line pass from Orca Wiesblatt and Portage led by 2 after 20 minutes.
Battlefords doubled down in the 2nd, goals from Lamb and Becker to tie the game at 2.
The Northstars took the lead halfway through the third on a Portage giveaway for their third straight goal.
Portage was running out of time to find the equalizer.
With a minute and a half left in the third, Portage pulled their goalie on the powerplay for a 6 on 4 advantage. Orca Wiesblatt made good on a pass from Brakel to force overtime.
The majority of overtime was spent in Battlefords zone, Portage controlling most of the play. The visiting Northstars had a great opportunity on a 2 on 1, but were stoned with an old school two pad stack from Peterson.
At 16:53 of the extra frame Shindle scored the game winner on a pass from Henry to tie the series at one heading west for game 3.
Peterson picks up the win in net with 27 saves and Portage was 1/4 on the powerplay.
Games three, four and five of the series shift to Saskatchewan, next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. If necessary, games six and seven will be back in Portage on Sunday and Monday.
Thank-you to Roquette, tonight’s game sponsor.