The Cranbrook Bucks are on the brink of playoff elimination with a 5-3 loss to the Penticton Vees on Wednesday evening at Western Financial Place.
The Herd kept it a close game for much of the night, however, the Vees took a late lead in the second period and rode it to the win.
Simon Meier and Oscar Pantzare both scored just over two minutes apart in the first period to give Penticton the lead.
The Bucks struck back in the middle frame, as Blake Cotton got The Herd on the board, while Shane Baker made a nifty tip to even up the affair.
Tied up for roughly a minute, Tristan Petersen broke the deadlock to put the Vees back in the lead late in the frame.
Luke Posthumus gave Penticton a two-goal lead early in the third period, but Samuel Lyne responded for the Bucks.
While the Bucks looked for the equalizer with the extra attacker in the final minute of the game, Vees forward Georgios Stavrianeas was awarded a goal after an errant stick was thrown trying to prevent an empty net goal.
The teams will face off in Game 4 tonight in Cranbrook, with playoff lives on the line. The Bucks are facing a second-round series sweep, while the Vees are looking to book their fourth straight appearance in the Interior Conference championship.
