Channel 45 showed its “save of the game” on the massive Xcel Energy Center scoreboard in the third period, a stop by Princeton goalie Gabe Pangerl to deny Thief River Falls senior Ethan Johnson a hat trick.

Just minutes later, Pangerl’s replacement Owen Othoudt fared not so well. Johnson buried his third goal of the game and 49th of the season to cap a 6-1 victory.

Johnson came into Wednesday responsible for 38 percent of Thief River Falls’ 121 goals. He maintained his catalyst role, netting the first two Prowlers (23-6) goals.

“We knew about him and tried to shut him down,” Princeton coach Jeff Hanson said. “A kid like him doesn’t need a lot of chances. He’s the real deal.”

Johnson, a 5-10, 160-pound senior forward, padded his new program single-season goal record. He previously topped the mark of 42 held by Jack Erickson since the 1950-51 season.

“I’m trying my best to score as often as I can,” Johnson said. “It helps a lot to start playing good early. It gives us a little cushion.”

Second period goals from Brendan Bushy and Riley Bakken put the Prowlers ahead 4-0. Jake Oakes cut the Princeton (21-8) deficit to 4-1.

Johnson later finished his hat trick. Prowlers goaltender Kade Nelson knows stopping his teammate isn’t easy.

“His speed, his hands, his shot,” Nelson rattled off when asked about Johnson’s attributes. “In practice it’s almost kind of scary when you see him coming down to take a shot on you.”

First report

Ethan Johnson came into Wednesday’s quarterfinal game responsible for 38 percent of Thief River Falls’ 121 goals this season.

He maintained his catalyst role, netting the Prowlers’ first two goals, later finishing the hat trick and lifting his team to a 6-1 triumph against Princeton. With the victory, No. 3 seed Thief River Falls (23-6) advances to play No. 2 seed Breck at 11 a.m. Friday in the semifinals.

Johnson, a 5-10, 160-pound senior forward, padded his new program single-season goal record. He previously topped the mark of 42 held by Jack Erickson since the 1950-51 season.

Second period goals from Brendan Bushy and Riley Bakken put the Prowlers ahead 4-0. Jake Oakes gave Princeton (21-8) a spark with his goal, cutting the deficit to 4-1.

Johnson later completed hat trick later in the third period.

Check back later for more on the game.