Nationals swept in Bozeman

The Glacier Nationals were on the road in Bozeman this past weekend, but despite improved play on the defensive end, they dropped both games to the Icedogs.

The Nationals, who have surrendered more than seven goals per game so far this season, allowed just eight in back-to-back games Friday and Saturday in Bozeman. Yet, Glacier scored just one time in two games and lost 5-1 Friday, followed by a 3-0 loss Saturday. Glacier is now 1-14-1 on the season. Bozeman improved its record to 8-4-1.

In the first game of the two-game set, Bozeman jumped out to a lead as John Dixon and Josh Skorulski both scored goals in the latter part of the first period to give the Icedogs a 2-0 advantage. Dixon added another goal in the second period for the Icedogs and Bozeman led 4-0 entering the third period.

Midway through the third period, the Nationals got on the board, as Gavin Cline scored his fifth goal of the season, thanks to assists from Josh Kirk and Zach Houck. Yet, Dixon scored three minutes later, his third goal of the game to wrap up the 5-1 win for the Icedogs.

Benjamin Sakaria got the win in net for Bozeman with 19 saves, while Will Langstaff got the loss for the Nationals after stopping 49 of the 54 shots he faced.

On Saturday, the Nationals played a much more competitive game. For one, they were outshot just 46-24, which is an improvement over other recent margins. They also didn't allow Bozeman to get on the scoreboard until the second period. However, the Icedogs scored three goals in the stanza, all three of which came from Jacoby Warner, who earned himself a hat trick.

Brendan Schultz did a solid job in net, notching 42 saves and allowing just three goals. Yet, he was stuck with the loss, in part because, Luke Olson, his counterpart in net, pitched a shutout. The Nationals will be back in action inside the Havre Ice Dome this Friday against the Helena Big Horns.