The fun and games of the virtual NAHL Robertson Cup playoffs continued Sunday evening for supporters of the Minot Minotauros, or known in-game as the North Dakota Warthogs.

While the simulated NHL18 video game result didn’t go Minot’s way — a 3-2 win for the Aberdeen “South Dakota” Wings to take a 2-1 series lead — there were still a handful of enjoyable moments shared on the Minotauros’ live stream broadcast.

Minotauros play-by-play announcer Ken Oda and game day operations manager Peter Theodos provided extra commentary for Game 3 of the Central Division first-round series.

As such, it was only fitting that the commentator’s jinx brought forth the first goal of the game 4:33 into the contest. Just as Theodos mentioned a scoreless start, unlike the first two games, Aberdeen’s Zach Aughe snuck through a backhanded shot for the opening goal.

“I take full responsibility,” Theodos said. “That one is on me.”

Aughe doubled up halfway through the first period to give the Wings a 2-0 lead through the first 20 minutes.

The intermission lasted less than 30 seconds.

“Great work by virtual (Zamboni driver) Larry McFall to get the ice ready,” Theodos joked. “That has to be a record (time).”

Cade “Stinger” Stibbe got the Minotauros/Warthogs on the scoreboard with a one-timer in the slot with 15:46 left in the second period.

The Fratellis’ hit single, “Chelsea Dagger,” played throughout the virtual Maysa Arena, just like it would have in real life.

A failed Minot power play and a laughable slap shot taken from directly behind the net as the buzzer sounded brought the second period to an end.

In the middle of the third period, Kyler Kleven was sent to the box for a charging penalty after checking a Wings skater across the screen.

“That’s rough for Kleven,” Oda said. “His biggest hit of the season comes in a video game.”

Jokes aside, Minot found the equalizer with 4:34 remaining. A centering pass into the slot by Brennan Couet was finished off by Jack Westlund.

Overtime, however, wasn’t necessary as Spencer Schneider took the puck from behind the net and buried the game-winning goal past Minotauros goaltender Ben Garrity, 3-2, with under two minutes to play.

The Minotauros/Warthogs outshot the Wings 45-34.

Game 4 is scheduled for noon Tuesday on the NAHL’s YouTube Channel. Live broadcast time could be changed, but all simulated games are available to be re-watched on YouTube.

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