Bucks Battle Hard but Fall 2-1 in Overtime to Silverbacks in Game 2
The Cranbrook Bucks suffered a tough-luck 2-1 overtime loss to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks in Game 2 of the BCHL Interior Division Final on Saturday night at Rogers Rink in Salmon Arm.
It was a frustrating night for the Bucks, marked by a clear lack of bounces. Cranbrook hit multiple posts and crossbars throughout the contest, with several high-quality scoring chances ringing off the iron instead of finding the net. Despite generating dangerous opportunities and receiving strong goaltending, the puck simply wouldn’t cooperate, allowing the Silverbacks to take a 2-0 series lead.
Scoring Summary Salmon Arm opened the scoring late in the first period when Keifer Miller (#26) beat Josh Scully with an unassisted goal at 11:57. The middle frame remained scoreless as both teams tightened up defensively.
The Bucks found the equalizer in the third period at 9:15 when Matthew Gilmore (#9) put his shot top corner on an unassisted marker to make it 1-1 and send the game to overtime.
In the extra session, the Silverbacks capitalized on their chances. Landon Mackie (#11) notched the game-winning goal at 14:54 of overtime on a pass in front by Keifer Miller, to secure the 2-1 victory for Salmon Arm.
Josh Scully (#1) was outstanding for the Bucks in the overtime loss, turning aside 38 of 40 shots for a .950 save percentage. Daniel Dirracolo earned the win for the Silverbacks with 17 saves on 18 shots.
Key Game Stats
- Final Score: Salmon Arm Silverbacks 2, Cranbrook Bucks 1 (OT)
- Shots on Goal: Bucks 18 – Silverbacks 40
- Power Plays: Bucks 0-for-2 | Silverbacks 0-for-3
- Attendance: 1,217
The game also featured a late third-period melee that resulted in multiple penalties, including a five-minute major and game misconduct for Samuel Lyne. Despite the physical play and extra penalties, neither team converted on the power play.
Three Stars
- Landon Mackie (Salmon Arm) – Game-winning goal
- Josh Scully (Cranbrook) – 38 saves in a strong effort
- Daniel Dirracolo (Salmon Arm) – 17 saves for the win
The Bucks got away from their game in spurts while competing hard on the road, and will now have to take care of business at home.
The series now returns to Western Financial Place with the Silverbacks leading 2-0. Game 3 is set for Tuesday, April 21 at 7:00 PM MDT, followed by Game 4 on Wednesday, April 22.
