Just when things looked the worst for the Austin Bruins, they made the biggest play of the night in a 5-3 win over Coulee Region in Riverside Arena Saturday.

The Chill (16-8-2 overall) came back from a 3-1 deficit by tying the game on a Connor Gaarder goal in the third period.

But just 19 seconds later Austin’s Alex Tesenky slapped home a one-timer from Cody Hotchkin to give the Bruins (9-17-1 overall) the lead for good as they split a two-game set with the Chill.

Jordan Greenberg added an empty netter with 48 seconds left to seal the win.

It was the second straight night that the Bruins held a big shot advantage as they out-fired Coulee Region 42-28, including a 20-8 advantage in the second period.

Austin’s Eamon McAdam made 25 saves for the Bruins, who are now off until they host Owatonna on Dec. 31 in Riverside Arena.

SCORING SUMMARY

Coulee Region 1 1 1 – 3

Austin                 0 3 2 – 5

First period

(C) Connor Gaarder (Zac Frischmon, David Mylrea) 4:18

Second period

(A) Christian Folin 0:47

(A) Charlie Adams 6:02

(A) Chris Fischer (powerplay)

(B) Frischmon (David Ripple, Lucas Dillon) 14:52

Third period

(C) Gaarder (Jake Useldinger, Scott Bell) 11:04

(A) Alex Tesenky (Cody Hotchkin, James Dickinson) 11:23

(A) Jordan Greenberg (empty net)

Shots: Austin – 42; Coulee Region – 28

Powerplays: Austin – 1-for-8; Coulee Region – 0-for-6