Northwest Express Rally in Third to Sweep Blue Ox, Advance to Round 2 in the Playoffs

Northwest Express Rally in Third to Sweep Blue Ox, Advance to Next Round
Spooner, WI – March 1, 2025
The Northwest Express punched their ticket to the next round of the playoffs with a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over the Minnesota Blue Ox on Saturday night at the Spooner Civic Center. With the win, the Express completed a first-round sweep in the best-of-three series, having secured Game 1 on Friday night.

Game Summary:

After a scoreless first period, the Blue Ox broke through late in the second while shorthanded. White capitalized on a breakaway opportunity at 18:12, giving Minnesota a 1-0 lead heading into the final frame. Despite outshooting the Blue Ox in the first two periods, the Express found themselves in need of a spark.

That spark came midway through the third period. On the power play, Berge found the back of the net at 8:56, assisted by Wolff and Winter, tying the game at one apiece. The momentum continued as Browning put the Express ahead at 16:46, finishing a crisp passing sequence from Liebold and Winkler.

Just 47 seconds later, Underhill added an insurance goal into the empty net, with Wolf and Wolff picking up the helpers. Minnesota pulled within one at 19:15 on a power-play tally from Lombardo, assisted by Henke and Farnsworth, but the Express held firm in the final seconds to secure the series-clinching win.

Goaltender Freshwater was a key factor in the victory, turning aside 32 of 34 shots. His counterpart, Clough, made 33 saves on 36 shots for the Minnesota Blue Ox.

The Northwest Express finished the night 1-for-3 on the power play, while Minnesota converted on their lone opportunity.

With 567 fans in attendance, the Express fed off the home crowd energy, surging in the final period to complete the comeback. They now advance to the next round, awaiting their opponent as they continue their pursuit of a championship.

Game Recap:
Final Score: Minnesota Blue Ox 2, Northwest Express 3
Scoring Summary:
1st Period: No Scoring.
2nd Period: MBO – White (SH) – 18:12
3rd Period: NWE – Berge (Wolff, Winter) – 8:56 (PP); NWE – Browning (Liebold, Winkler) – 16:46; NWE – Underhill (Wolf, Wolff) – 17:33 (EN); MBO – Lombardo (Henke, Farnsworth) – 19:15 (PP).
Shots on Goal: MBO 34, NWE 36
Power Play: MBO 1/1, NWE 1/3
Goaltenders: MBO – Clough (33 saves on 36 shots), NWE – Freshwater (32 saves on 34 shots).
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The Express will look to build on their momentum as they prepare for the next challenge in the postseason. Stay tuned for schedule updates and further playoff coverage.