BISMARCK, N.D. — The Bobcats saw one last glimmer of hope.
A 3-2 third period deficit had remained stoic from opening puck drop into the final minute. St. Cloud’s Nick Young, who was in line for the game-winning goal, slashed Calvin Hanson as he entered the offensive zone. Seven seconds remained.
With the Cats two skaters up, Jon Ziskie grabbed the puck at the left point off the draw. His desperation throw toward the net looked like a shot. It was a pass.
Quinn Rudrud, who was staked out on the back door, redirected Ziskie’s feed home with 0.2 seconds showing on the clock.
Overtime in Bismarck for the first time this season.
That’s where the good times ended. St. Cloud converted a 3-on-1 rush with Brandon Lajoie sliding the puck inside Erik Forss’ near post at 2:01 of OT.
Thus ended a night to remember. The Bobcats picked up their hardest-earned point all year.
Rudrud ended the game with two goals, both game-tying scores. Brandon Reller got the scoring started with a goal on his first NAHL shift, 1:17 into the night. Forss made 28 saves in the loss.
Bismarck (2-10-1) takes on St. Cloud (6-2) in the series finale tomorrow night at 7:15. Tickets are on sale at www.bismarckbobcats.com and at our office, 701-222-3300.