WINNIPEG - Sitting four points back of the fourth and final playoff spot and with two teams to overtake in the final four games the UBC Thunderbirds needed to a strong start to their final road trip. A two-goal effort from
Justin McCrae ensured that UBC got just that as they preyed on a struggling Manitoba team to earn a much needed two points in downing the Bisons 5-2 Friday night at the Max Bell Centre.
With the win UBC climbs to 10-11-4 on the season, while Manitoba falls to 11-8-4.
The Bisons came out aggressively from the opening whistle by finishing checks and limiting UBC's time in open ice. The early jump earned the home side a first period power play on which they capitalized. On a man advantage where the Bisons had multiple chance to score it was Greg Beller who eventually knocked the puck over the goal line to give Manitoba a 1-0 lead.
The T-Birds erased any signs of a largely one-sided first period with less than four minutes to go in the opening frame.
Matthew Schneider charged down the right wing with speed, and snapped a wrist shot high, stick-side on Bisons goaltender Steve Christie to tie the game at 1-1.
The late goal lifted the visitors who came out much stronger in the second. With Zach Tully serving two minutes for roughing, McCrae finished off a dazzling solo effort with a top shelf tally just 11 seconds in to the power play to give the T-Birds a 2-1 lead.
UBC smelled blood in the water and took advantage of a stunned Mantioba team. Again it would be McCrae counting for the 'Birds. This time the former NHL draft pick gathered speed down the wing before firing on the fly, beating Christie cleanly for his second marker in less than a minute.
After the lapse, Manitoba regained its composure and returned to the physical game with which they had success in the first period. Following a big hit, Jordan Cyr deked past the UBC defence and fired the puck top corner, bringing Manitoba to within one.
As momentum threatened to swing back towards the Bisons the T-Birds quelled any chance of a comeback when
Tyler Ruel found a rushing
Ben Schmidt with a precision pass. Schmidt broke in alone on Christie and let loose a howitzer top shelf, to put the 'Birds up 4-2.
Manitoba pulled their goalie with over two minutes remaining in a desperate attempt to cut into UBC's lead but it would be for naught.
Jordan Inglis iced things for the T-Birds skating in alone and capping the upset with an empty net goal.
These same teams will take to the ice again on Saturday as they continue their last push for a playoff spot. Puck is set to drop at 5:00 p.m. PST.
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