A third period barrage was too much for the Prince Albert Mintos to overcome Thursday night.
Despite holding a 3-2 lead after 40 minutes, the Mintos allowed four unanswered in the final frame as they dropped a 6-3 decision to the 21-6-1-0 Saskatoon Blazers at the Rod Hamm Memorial Arena.
Kootenay Ice prospect Karter Porosofsky and Cole Nagy had two goals to lead the offence for the Blazers, with Nagy’s performance moving him into a tie for the top scorer in the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League with Cole Sillinger of the Regina Pat Canadians on 39 points.
Zach Gabruch had a goal and an assist for the hosts, while Josh Nagy and Prince Albert Raiders prospect Nolan Allan dished out a pair of helpers.
Alec Saretzky rounded out the scoring for the Blazers, who have won their last two games and hold a two-point lead over the Tisdale Trojans heading into a matchup of the two top teams in the SMAAAHL in Saskatoon Sunday.
Brett Mirwald turned aside 28 shots for the hosts to earn the victory.
Ethan Ironside and Portland Winterhawks prospect Gabe Klassen had a goal and an assist each for the 11-11-1-0 Mintos, who have lost five straight games but still have a six-point lead over the Moose Jaw Generals for the eighth and final playoff spot in the league.
Gavin Ingram had the other goal for the visitors, who received a 29-save showing from Spencer Welke.
The Mintos will continue a three-game road trip Saturday against the 14-4-2-2 Pat Canadians before a Sunday afternoon affair with the 7-14-1-2 Generals.
They will be back at home Tuesday to take on the 12-9-0-0 Saskatoon Contacts at the Art Hauser Centre.
