BISMARCK, N.D. — The Bismarck Bobcats are falling behind the Minot Minotaurs in the NAHL Central Division Championship Series, losing two games to none. But this is familiar territory for this Bismarck team.
The Bobcats are on the brink of elimination after falling behind 2-1 in the semifinals against the Aberdeen Wings and need to win their remaining two games to advance. Bismarck did just that to advance into this series against Minot. With their backs against the wall for the second year in a row, the Bobcats are relying on their veteran leaders to make a difference.
“I had confidence in them,” head coach Layne Sedevi said. “They had been wearing that sweater for four years, three years. Within the group, we were very confident that we were ready. And we felt like we could do the job.” That's the thing about the playoffs. When everyone looks at the regular season record, they forget how good our division is as a whole.”
“I told a lot of our guys, we've never been in a position all season where we had to win, we had to win games, and you know, it's definitely tough to be in that position and it's a wall. ''I told him I was going to turn my back on him,'' forward Patrick Johnson said. “But adversity is good. And obviously coming out on the right side of that series is a momentum builder for us. Even if we're behind in two games in the series, we still have a lot to offer. We have the players, we have the ability to bounce back, and it was good for us to prove that.”
Bismarck looks to keep its season going as it heads into Game 3 at home against the Minotaurs on Friday.Puck drop is set for 7:15 p.m.
