The Austin Bruins earned a 2-0 lead in the second period, but thanks to two power play goals and two tallies from George Grannis, the Bobcats thwarted the Bruins on Saturday night, 3-2.

Following Friday night’s thrilling overtime win, it was key that the Bruins jumped out to a hot start to capitalize on their momentum. Austin managed to do just that midway through the first period. With the puck in the offensive zone, Camden Gallagher launched a wrist-shot from the point which was blocked but landed right on the stick of Barrett Brooks who rifled a shot top-shelf and over the shoulder of Bismarck netminder Andrew Miller for the Bruins first goal of the game, and the 1-0 lead.

Later in the second Austin increased their lead to 2-0, thanks to Hugh Quinn. Off the draw, Jed Pietila tossed a shot toward the net that was expertly redirected by Hugh Quinn, through the legs of Miller, and into the back of the net. It was also in the second where the wheels began to fall off for the Bruins. Bismarck managed to score on two of their first three power-plays evening things at 2-2 after two periods. The second goal of the night for Bismarck was tallied by George Grannis, his third on the weekend at the time.

Grannis wasn’t done there however, as he redirected a shot past Bruins goalie Brett Miller just under eight minutes into the third period. Now with the lead 3-2, Bismarck shifted to a defense first mentality and managed to fight off the Bruins final attacks, including three great chances in the final minute with the extra-attacker. Not able to find the back of the net, the final horn sounded and the Bruins fell to the Bismarck Bobcats, 3-2.

With the loss, the Bruins fall to 26-16-2-5 on the season while the Bobcats improve to 29-12-5-3 with the victory. Up next for the Bruins, they welcome the Chippewa Steel to Riverside Arena for a pair of games on March 6 and March 7.