The Cranbrook Bucks hoped to secure a second straight win against the Penticton Vees on Saturday night, but the BCHL’s top ranked team had other plans and were able to cruise their way to an impressive 6-1 victory.
The two teams played each other hard through the opening frame. Both teams had power play chances, but neither could beat the hot goalie on either side of the rink. Cranbrook finally broke the scoreless deadlock with under seven-seconds to go in the opening fame, via a Cam Kungle point shot which snuck into the Penticton net. The Bucks were able to take a 1-0 lead into the second period.
The second period was all Penticton. The Vees were able to explode for four goals in the middle frame. Adam Eisele scored twice, while Jackson Nieuwendyk and Brad Nadeau were also able to tally. A penalty-filled second period finally came to an end with the Vees holding a 4-1 lead.
The third period brought plenty of physicality from both sides as the penalty parade continued through the final frame. The Vees added two more goals in the third period from Brett Moravec and Luc Wilson to secure a 6-1, splitting their double header with Cranbrook.
Saturday’s loss drops Cranbrook’s record 28-20-2-3, the Bucks finished 0/4 on the power play and their penalty kill finished 3/5.
There is only one game left on Cranbrook’s regular season schedule, that takes place on Saturday, March 26 versus the Wenatchee Wild.
Buck Tracks:
- Saturday’s loss mathematically prevents Cranbrook from obtaining home ice advantage in round 1 of the playoffs.
- Cam Kungle scores his fifth goal of the season (7 points through last five games).
- 1 assist for Tyson Dyck moves him to 40 assists through the regular season.
Photo Credit: Tim Matwey
