The Cranbrook Bucks are down and looking up in their first round playoff series after a 4-3 loss in game two Saturday to fall to a 2-0 deficit in the best-of-seven.
After a lopsided loss in game one, the Bucks put together a strong first period against the West Kelowna Warriors. Cranbrook climbed to a 1-0 lead thanks to a goal from Jack Silich at 7:46. The Warriors netted a response at 12:54 via Jack Pridham’s fourth goal of the series to bring the game to a 1-1 tie. The deadlock remained intact at intermission with each team firing thirteen shots.
The second period played out similar to the first twenty minutes. Each team traded one goal with Pridham scoring again for the Warriors and Pat Murphy hitting the net for the Bucks. The game was even at 2-2 at the second intermission.
Once again, a very even third period played out with both teams trading a single goal. An early West Kelowna goal from Callam Hughes appeared to have the game sewn up, but Shane Baker replied for Cranbrook in the dying minutes to send the game to a 3-3 tie at the end of regulation, prompting the first overtime finish of the series.
The extra frame didn’t last long, the Warriors needed just sixteen seconds to put the game away, with Trent Wilson supplying the game-winner to give West Kelowna a 4-3 overtime win in game two.
Saturday’s win gives the Warriors a 2-0 lead in the series, the Bucks outshot the Warriors 31-29. On special teams, Cranbrook 0/4 on the power play and the Warriors went 1/3.
Game three is happening Tuesday in Cranbrook.
Buck Tracks:
- 2 points night for Shane Baker (1g,1a)
