BRATISLAVA, May 3 (Xinhua) -- Three finals games, three overtime victories. HKM Zvolen is now only a single win from grabbing the 2020/2021 Tipos Extraliga championship title after defeating HK Poprad 2-1 on Monday, stretching its lead in the playoff finals to 3-0.
After winning both home games, the winner of the regular season HKM Zvolen continued its superb streak on Poprad's ice and now has the opportunity to put the series away on Tuesday.
Both teams entered Game 3 with several players missing from their rosters due to injuries and the first period was very cautious on both sides with neither team managing to capitalize on their powerplays.
The same applied for the beginning of the second period, but seven minutes in, Zvolen's Canadian forward Allan McPherson converted a powerplay opportunity for the 1-0 opener when his hard pass was redirected into the goal by one of Poprad's defenders.
The home team did not let Zvolen get into a winning mood and moments later Dutch defenseman Mike Dalhuisen evened up the score when a floater from the blue line found its way behind the back of the visiting goalie Robin Rahm who finished the night with 37 saves.
Despite a powerplay opportunity for both teams, the third period did not break the stalemate and nervous-wracking overtime commenced. Zvolen's Canadian forward T.J. Melancon became the hero of the match when his shot from a tough angle flew above Peter Hamerlik's shoulder and into the back of the net nine minutes into OT.
Tipos Extraliga Playoff Finals Game 3
HK Poprad - HKM Zvolen 1-2 in overtime (series 0-3)
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