Sioux Falls, S.D. – The Herd fell to the Fargo Force 2-1 in overtime on Saturday night, splitting the Western Conference Final series at one game apiece.
Thomas Zocco recorded the lone goal for Sioux Falls, while
Linards Feldbergs delivered another strong performance in net.
The opening period picked up right where the previous night left off, with both teams establishing a physical tone early. Penalties came quickly, including matching minors to Fargo's Brooks Cullen (slashing) and Sioux Falls'
Wade Weil (roughing) at 5:09. Shortly after, Kolin Sisson was sent off for tripping, giving the Herd a 4-on-3 advantage, but they were unable to capitalize.
Fargo struck first at 11:57, capitalizing on a scramble in front after Feldbergs made an initial stop but couldn't recover in time. Sioux Falls responded late in the period when
Thomas Zocco made an impressive play, circling the net and slipping the puck between Ajay White and the post at 19:08.
JJ Monteiro picked up the assist, sending the game into the first intermission tied 1-1.
The second period remained physical, with both teams exchanging penalties and chances. Alex Lofgren was called for roughing early, but the Herd couldn't convert on the power play. Later, coincidental penalties to Stepan Cerny and
Ryder Betzold led to 4-on-4 play, where both sides generated opportunities but couldn't break through. Additional matching penalties late in the period kept tensions high, but the score remained unchanged.
In the third, defense and goaltending took center stage. Both teams created quality looks, but neither could find the back of the net. A potential go-ahead goal from
JJ Monteiro at 17:04 was waved off following a review for goaltender interference, keeping the game deadlocked and forcing overtime.
The physicality carried into the extra frame, but it was Fargo who ultimately capitalized. Axel Lofgren ended the game at 17:05 of overtime, tucking a shot under the crossbar to secure the 2-1 victory for the Force.
Despite the loss, Feldbergs remained solid between the pipes, moving his postseason numbers to a 4-1-2-0 record with a 2.15 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage.
The series now shifts to Fargo for Games 3 and 4 of the Western Conference Final. Game 3 is set for Friday, May 8, followed by Game 4 on Saturday, May 9. Details on a fan bus will be announced soon.
