e-Sport

The first matchup of the night featured the Flyers hosting the Bumblebees. The Flyers had locked up third place in the playoffs, giving them the early game next week. The Bumblebees, meanwhile, had the doubleheader this week, and an opportunity to take over the top spot heading into next week's playoffs.

The Flyers wasted little time finding the back of net, as Bo Behlen set up Cole Hobza for the opening goal just :47 seconds in. Just under two minutes later, Roman Briley put the Flyers up 2-0. The rest of the first period was a defensive battle, with neither team really gaining much traction in the offensive zone. But, with just :30 seconds remaining in the first, the Bumblebees were on the scoreboard following a goal from Alec Flyr. At the intermission, the Flyers were clinging to a 2-1 lead.

In the second period, the Bees came out shooting. Controlling the offensive zone play for the majority of the second period, the Bees were able to score four unanswered goals in just over five minutes time to take a 5-2 lead. Cody Zrust scored the first two goals for the Bees in the second period, with Flyr scoring his second and third goals just before the ten minute mark of the period. With just 1:43 remaining in the game, the Flyers picked up another goal from Hobza to make it 5-3. But, their comeback bid would fall short, as the Bees would win the game by two goals, 5-3.

The Bumblebees were back for their second game of the night, this time against the top-ranked Avalanche. A second win on the evening would push the Bees past the Avalanche, giving them a first round bye in the playoffs. Anything less would give the blue squad the free pass.

The Avalanche were determined not to let that happen. Just over three minutes into the game, Colin Flyr set up Michael Wright for the game's opening goal. Six minutes later, all three players on the floor got involved for the team's second goal of the game, when Wright sent the puck up to Mason Klug, who passed it over to Flyr, who put it in the back of the net for the 2-0 lead. The Avalanche extended their lead to 3-0 when Klug scored his first of the game off an assist from Flyr.

In the second period, the Bumblebees wasted little time trying to catch up. Just :50 seconds into the period, Klayton McCoy raced down the floor and beat the goalie to make it 3-1. One minute later, however, the Avalanche regained their three goal lead, when Klug scored his second of the game off of assists from Flyr and Wright. The Bees then cut the lead back down to just two when Connor Krivanek scored to make it 4-2. Once again, the Avalanche had an answer, when Klug picked up the hat trick with 10:27 remaining in the game. For the third time in the period, the Bees narrowed the lead back down to two off of McCoy's second goal of the game. But, that was as close as they would get, as Flyr added one more goal with just five seconds remaining on the clock, giving the Avalanche a 6-3 win, and an automatic spot in the league championship game next Monday night.

So, next week's hockey playoff schedule is set. In the early game, the Bumblebees will host the Flyers, with the winner advancing to the championship game against the Avalanche.