The Gillette Wild gutted out a close 3-2 win against the Billings Bulls.
Each team kept the other at bay throughout the game, and Michael Burke secured the win for Gillette with a goal in the third period.
The Wild pulled out the victory even though they were hit with 18 penalty minutes.
Gillette was led by Burke, who had one goal. Burke scored 7:44 into the third period to make the score 3-2 Gillette. TJ McMinn assisted on the tally.
The Wild excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in seven chances. Billings was unable to stop Gillette from sending pucks towards the net, and the Wild eventually piled up 37 shots on goal.
Gillette also had goals scored by RJ Yusko and Mitchell McEwan, who each put in one. Other players who recorded assists for Gillette were Bryce Mitzel, Brandon Beard, and Kyle Reilly, who each chipped in one.
The Bulls stifled Gillette\’s power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man.
Billings was helped by Ian Wiljanen, who grabbed one goal. Wiljanen scored 11:44 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Alex Lundstrom provided the assist. Tristan Henrichs also scored for Billings. In addition, Billings received assists from TJ Theodosopoulos, who had one.
The Wild\’s Sean Kelley stopped 27 shots out of the 29 that he faced. Gillette registered zero goals on three power play opportunities. Cole Semchak made 34 saves for the Bulls on 37 shots. Billings incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors.