The Nanaimo Buccaneers will need something a little bit different tonight (March 10).
The Bucs trail the Campbell River Storm two games to none in junior B hockey playoffs after losing both Game 1 and Game 2 by identical 3-2 scores, both in double overtime.
In Thursday’s Game 2 at the Nanaimo Ice Centre, the Buccaneers came back from a 2-0 deficit as Cole Broadhurst and Brady Chin scored second-period goals, but the Bucs couldn’t capitalize on man-advantage opportunities in the third period. Sheldon Brett of the Storm scored the game-winner early in double OT.
“I think tonight we kind of proved that not only can we play with them, but I think we can dominate them at times. But we’ve got to find the back of the net,” said Dan Lemmon, Buccaneers coach.
Shots ended up 35-35, with Chris Smith earning the win and John Hawthorne suffering the loss. Campbell River’s first two goals came from Max Daerendinger and Kobe Oishi.
Lemmon said the importance of tonight’s Game 3 on the road is now magnified.
“All season we’ve had a great character group that always bounces back and always gives a good performance, so we’ve got to bounce back from this one, as much as it hurts to lose two overtime games in a row,” he said.
GAME ON … Game 3 is tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Rod Brind’Amour Arena. Game 4 will be Monday (March 13) at 7 p.m. at the Nanaimo Ice Centre.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com
