Game Summary: 02/21/2025 - Northwest Express 6 vs Minnesota Blue Ox 2

Northwest Express Overpower Minnesota Blue Ox with Dominant Third Period, Win 6-2
Friday, February 21, 2025 – Spooner Civic Center

The Northwest Express broke open a close game with a four-goal third period, defeating the Minnesota Blue Ox 6-2 in front of an energetic home crowd at the Spooner Civic Center. Despite a slow start, the Express surged late to secure the win, improving their season record behind a strong offensive performance and solid goaltending from Freshwater.

The Express finish the regular season in third place with a record of 29-13-2!  Great year guys!

First Period:
Minnesota struck first on the power play when Lawson netted his sixth goal of the season at 12:15, assisted by Lombardo. The Express responded four minutes later as Winter tied the game at 1-1 with his second goal of the season, set up by Themmes and Liebold.

Second Period:
Northwest Express took the lead in the second period during a power play. Aguilera tallied his 12th goal of the season at 8:46, assisted by Browning and Wolf. The Express maintained pressure throughout the period, outshooting the Blue Ox 15-8 but couldn’t extend the lead further until the final frame.

Third Period:
The Express came out flying in the third. Wolff extended the lead to 3-1 just 1:43 in, finishing a play from Wolf and Aguilera. Though Minnesota’s White cut the deficit to 3-2 at 3:14, the Express responded swiftly and decisively.
Browning scored his team-leading 37th goal at 9:46, followed by Underhill’s 10th goal just 21 seconds later. Liebold sealed the game with his first goal of the season on a late power play at 18:56, assisted by Skiadas and Lynch.

Between the Pipes:
Freshwater anchored the win for Northwest Express, stopping 29 of 31 shots. Clough faced a barrage of 51 shots for Minnesota, turning away 45 in a hard-fought effort.

Special Teams & Physical Play:
The Express capitalized on two of six power-play chances, while Minnesota managed one goal in three opportunities. The third period saw tensions rise with several roughing penalties and a misconduct handed to Wolff late in the game.

By the Numbers:

• Shots on Goal: Northwest Express 51, Minnesota Blue Ox 31
• Power Plays: Northwest Express 2/6, Minnesota Blue Ox 1/3
• Attendance: 430

Play-offs start Friday, February 28th at the Spooner Civic Center with a best of 3 series.  All games in the 1st series played in Spooner.

​See you there!