The Swift Current Broncos could not beat Patrik Bartosak on any of their 52 shots on goal in a 3-0 loss to the Red Deer Rebels as their playoff positioning battle in the Eastern Conference continues to go down to the wire.
Red Deer captain Turner Elson scored a pair of second-period goals to put the Rebels ahead 2-0 after two periods. Matt Bellerive added a third-period goal to close the scoring.
The battle of the import goaltenders saw Eetu Laurikainen made 34 saves on 37 shots to fall to 25-22-2-4. Bartosak stopped all 52 shots, including 24 in the third period alone, to improve to 30-13-4-0 in his fourth shutout of the season.
The Broncos dropped to 31-28-3-4 and remain tied with Medicine Hat with 69 points for sixth spot in the Eastern Conference. Red Deer improved to 36-24-4-2 moved into fourth spot ahead of the Prince Albert Raiders.
The Broncos’ next action will be Tuesday when they host the Prince Albert Raiders (35-24-2-4) in their third last home game of the regular season.
Remaining games
Swift Current Broncos (6) - vs Prince Albert, vs Moose Jaw, @ Moose Jaw, @ Brandon, @ Regina, vs Regina.
Medicine Hat Tigers (6) - vs Calgary, @ Saskatoon, @ Prince Albert, @ Calgary, @ Lethbridge, vs Lethbridge.
Kootenay Ice (7) - @ Red Deer, @ Tri-City, @ Spokane, vs Lethbridge, @ Lethbridge, vs Calgary, @ Calgary.
Lethbridge Hurricanes (7) - vs Red Deer, @ Red Deer, @ Calgary, @ Kootenay, vs Kootenay, vs Medicine Hat, @ Medicine Hat.
