Bismarck, ND – The Tauros swept the Bismarck Bobcats out of the Robertson Cup Playoffs and will now advance to face the winner of the Aberdeen Wings and Austin Bruins series in the Central Cup Finals.
The Tauros opened the scoring just 3:21 into first when Sam Skinner sent a wrister through traffic that snuck over John Roberts’ glove for a 1-0 lead. The Tauros would control the period outshooting the Cats 11-5 but could not solve Roberts a second time.
The second period went exactly the opposite way, the Cats controlled the play and found the period’s only goal with Jacob Marti beating Nicholas Grabko with just 1:28 left to play. The Tauros were outshot 14-3 in the period but Grabko held the Tauros in.
The one goal draw held until late in the third when Didrik Henbrant scored on the power play by cutting through the Bobcat defense into the slot and firing a shot over Roberts’ outstretched glove. The Cats would answer back however with just 33.1 remaining on the clock Adam Stacho somehow chipped one over Grabko to tie the game at two. The Tauros however won the ensuing faceoff and rushed into the Bobcat zone. Keenan Lund found Andrew Kangas who then set up Taylor Lantz for the eventual game winner with just 20 seconds remaining. The beautifully executed three-on-two rush ended the Bobcats season and sends the Tauros into the Central Cup Finals for the second year in a row.
With Austin beating Aberdeen by a 4-2 final tonight the Tauros must wait at least one more night before finding out who they will play in the next round. The Tauros won the first Central Cup in franchise history last season in a three-game sweep of the Austin Bruins. If Aberdeen wins the series will open in Aberdeen next Friday, if Austin advances the series will open in Minot. Stay tuned to GoTauros.com and the Tauros social media for updates on the Central Cup Finals.