Facing elimination for the third time this postseason, the Sioux Falls Stampede used two power play goals to defeat the Fargo Force 5-3 Sunday night in Game 4 of the USHL Western Conference Finals at the Sioux Falls Arena.
An early first period goal was all the Fargo Force would need to hold off the Sioux Falls Stampede for a 1-0 Game 3 shutout in front of 3,805 at the Arena Thursday night. The loss puts the Stampede in a must-win situation in Game 4 Sunday night at the Arena.
Bryan Bickell scored in overtime on a two-on-one rush, and the Chicago Blackhawks started the playoffs on a winning note after dominating the regular season, beating the Minnesota Wild 2-1 Tuesday night.
For all their accomplishments so far — the record-breaking start, the Presidents’ Trophy, the individual honors — the Chicago Blackhawks know this is the time of year that will define their season. They said the same thing all along. Jonathan Toews and Co. also know all the reasons for concern heading into their playoff series against the Minnesota Wild.
Devin Setoguchi broke a second-period tie and Niklas Backstrom stopped 29 shots, helping the Minnesota Wild secure their first playoff spot in five years with a 3-1 win over the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday night.
With their backs up against the wall, the Sioux Falls Stampede responded and earned a crucial victory. Thomas Forgione and C.J. Franklin scored third period goals to rally the Herd to a 2-1 victory over the Fargo Force in Game 2 of the USHL Western Conference Finals.
The Sioux Falls Stampede will face the Fargo Force in the USHL Western Conference Finals starting this Friday in Fargo. The Force defeated the Waterloo Black Hawks 4-3 in overtime Wednesday night in Game 5 of their series to advance.
An airtight, white knuckle Western Conference semi-finals ended in perfect fashion as a monumental shutout performance by Charlie Lindgren lifted the Sioux Falls Stampede past the Lincoln Stars in a 2-0, Game 5 win, clinching the series for the Herd.
With their grip starting to slip on a spot in the playoffs, the Minnesota Wild responded with one of their most complete, aggressive performances of the season.