RECAP | GROWLERS SURVIVE SCARE IN 5-4 OT WIN OVER THUNDER

16 Mar 2023

By Brady Reid

Newfoundland Growlers (40-17-2-0) vs. Adirondack Thunder (23-27-7-1)
Wednesday, March 15 – St. John’s, NL

The Newfoundland Growlers picked up their 40th win of the season in a 5-4 overtime midweek victory over the Adirondack Thunder on Wednesday night at Mary Brown’s Centre.

Brett Budgell opened the scoring midway through the first period as his one-timer snuck past Mike Robinson to make it 1-0 Newfoundland after 20 minutes of play.

Budgell made it a pair with a powerplay blast halfway through the middle frame to give the Growlers a 2-0 lead.

After a pair of late 2nd period Adirondack goals appeared to send it into the second intermission tied up, Pavel Gogolev scored with 30 seconds left in the second to put Newfoundland up 3-2 through 40 minutes.

Jack Badini gave the Growlers some insurance two minutes into the third period which looked to be more than enough until the very last minute as Ryan Smith and Matt Stief both struck for the Thunder in the dying seconds to force overtime and make it 4-4 after regulation.

Zach O’Brien would ensure the home fans left happy as he finished the game off on a breakaway with 91 seconds remaining in OT to seal the 5-4 Newfoundland win.

Quick Hits

Brett Budgell put up a three-point (2G, 1A) night.
Keith Petruzzelli made 32 saves in the victory.
These two teams face off again on Friday night at 7 pm.

Three Stars:

1. NFL - Z. O'Brien
2. NFL - B. Budgell
3. ADK - S. Harper