Rangers fight back for game 2 win

Flyers lose 7-3 to the Spirit River Rangers

After playing one of their most complete games of the season on home ice in game one, the Flyers headed to Spirit River on Tuesday night ready for a battle in game two. Sadly, the Flyers only showed up with 11 skaters – something the Rangers exploited masterfully, as they fought back to win game 2

The Flyers drew first blood, when Tyler Loney’s powerplay point shot found its way through a screen and past Matt Yesminski. The Rangers evened the score, when Donny Lloyd’s powerplay shot did the same trick. With 9 minutes remaining in the first, Matt Hunter’s sharp angle shot eluded Troy Hunt, and the Rangers were ahead.

Early in the second, the Flyers failed to capitalize on a 5 on 3, but did score on the 5 on 4, when Todd Alexander spun and shot through David Alexander and past Yesminski. A minute later, Matt Shuya led Arlo Hadland into the Rangers zone on a 2-on-1, and fed Hadland who beat Yesminski, to put the Flyers back up.

But, from there on out, Spirit River would get the best of it, as they scored three unanswered goals to close out the second period, courtesy of Brad Kennedy (2) and Mark Wallman.

It would be an uphill battle for the Flyers to come from behind when short benched, and on this night, it would prove too much, as the Rangers continued to play the body and forecheck hard, as Fort St. John was unable to muster any offence in the third. The Rangers would add two more, from Matt Hunter (his second) and Mike Lefley. The final exclamation point would be a fight between Tyler Loney and Kurtis Swanson. It was Swanson’s first and only shift of the game, and though Loney was dog-tired from the game, he hung in for a split decision.

Listen to a highlights package from the game:

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And so, the Rangers win game two 7-3, with game three set for Thursday night in Fort St. John.