AUSTIN, Minn. — A second-period surge wasn’t enough Saturday evening for the Minot Minotauros to avoid a 3-2 loss on the road against the Austin Bruins.

The Bruins (21-10-5) were consistent throughout with a goal in each period.

Jed Pietila opened the scoring with 19 seconds left in the first period. Dante Sheriff, in the second period, and Hugh Larkin, in the third period, added power-play tallies.

Both of the Minotauros’ goals came in the second period.

Jay Buchholz notched the first, assisted by Kyler Kleven and Dan Russell.

Andranik Armstrong-Kingkade buried his team-leading 23rd goal of the season seven minutes later. Assists went to Cade Stibbe and Nikolai Charchenko.

The Minotauros (20-12-5) are currently sitting in fourth place in the NAHL Central Division Standings. They will have a home-and-home series against the team occupying the spot right in front of them in the standings, the Bismarck Bobcats, next weekend.

Minot will travel to Bismarck first on Friday (Jan. 24) before hosting the rematch on Saturday (Jan. 25).

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