WHITEFISH — The Glacier Nationals’ comeback bid fell short in a 3-2 loss to the first-place Helena Bighorns in an American West Hockey League game Thursday at the Stumptown Ice Den.

Helena (26-1-1) potted three goals in the first period before Glacier (13-16) answered in the second with a power play goal from Padraic Ripple.

Chris Cutshall added the Nationals’ second goal 5 minutes and 45 seconds into the third period but Glacier couldn’t find an equalizer in the remaining 14 minutes.

Helena outshot Glacier 75-17 but goaltender Pierre Gustafsson kept the Nationals in the game by making 72 saves.

Glacier travels to Billings for a pivotal series with the Bulls today and Saturday. The Nationals are currently fourth in the AWHL with 26 points. Billings is fifth with 23 points, but has played two fewer games.

Helena300—3

Glacier011—2

First period

Hel - Logan Henne (Corbin Belling, Addison Wells), 7:50

Hel - Dylan Webster (Brian Skillicorn, Sebastian Hansson), 12:57

Hel - Henne, power play (Austin Loes, Parker Olson), 18:06

Second period

Gla - Padraic Ripple, power play (Adam Dalton, Paul Kinder), 9:52

Third period

Gla - Chris Cutshall (Dalton, Tanner Dodd), 5:45

———

Shots on goal - Helena 75, Glacier 17. Saves - Helena 15 (Alek Lazarski), Glacier 72 (Pierre Gustafsson). Power plays - Helena 1-5, Glacier 1-5. Penalty minutes - Helena 14, Glacier 14. Attendance - 451.