The Swift Current Broncos lost 3-2 in overtime to the Regina Pats in a preview of the first round of the Western Hockey League playoffs.
Nick Henry scored midway through the three-on-three overtime period to hand the visiting Broncos their fourth straight loss, while also clinching third in the East Division for the Pats.
After a scoreless opening period, the two teams combined for three goals in the second period. Matteo Gennaro opened the scoring with his 42nd goal of the season on the power play. Sam Steel quickly replied for the Pats on the power play and then Jared Legien gave the Pats the lead.
The Broncos scored the only goal of the third period when Artyom Minulin fired home a point shot on the power play as the Broncos finished two-for-eight on the man-advantage.
Joel Hofer took the loss with 29 saves on 32 shots to fall to 8-3-1-1 in his rookie campaign. Max Paddock made 31 saves on 33 shots to improve to 19-7-1-1.
The Broncos fell to 47-18-4-2, while Regina improved to 40-25-5-1.
The two teams will meet Saturday in Swift Current in their final game of the regular season before meeting the best-of-seven East Division semi-final.
Bronco Bits: Glenn Gawdin returned to the line-up after missing three games due to illness. The Bronco captain assisted on the second goal to extend his point streak to 27 games, the second longest streak in the WHL this season, with 52 points over 27 games dating back to Jan. 7.
