The Victoria Grizzlies stumbled out of the gates as their third round series got underway with the Chilliwack Chiefs last night.
The visiting Grizzlies had just three full days of rest following an emotional seven game series against the Kings, and it showed in the early part of Game 1, as the rested Chiefs stormed to a 4-0 lead before the game was 16 minutes old and cruised to a 7-3 win from there.
Grizzlies forward Jamie Rome salvaged something from the opening period when he scored 11 seconds before the break, but Chiefs forward Anthony Vincent responded 1:02 into the second period to restore the four-goal lead.
The teams traded goals in the third period, with Lucas Clark and Cody Van Lierop tallying for Victoria.
Grizzlies goaltender Matthew Galajda was pulled after allowing five goals on the first 15 shots he faced. Backup Tony Rehm made 15 saves on 17 shots in his B.C. Hockey League playoff debut.
The Grizzlies outshot the Chiefs by a 33-32 count.
The teams will resume their best-of-seven series tonight in Chilliwack.The series then shifts to The Q Centre in Colwood for Games 3 and 4 on Tuesday and Wednesday night.
