Jordan Boultbee’s game-winning goal helped the Penticton Lakers claw back into their first round series with the Princeton Posse on Tuesday.
After losing the first two games of the series 1-0 and 2-1 in Princeton during the opening round of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League playoffs, the Lakers took advantage of their home ice to win by identical scores of 3-2. On Monday, and trailing 2-0 in the third, the Lakers scored twice to take it into overtime. Steve Killy was the overtime hero.
Heading back to Princeton on Thursday, Lakers coach Robert Dirk wants to see his team have a better start. In all four games of the series, the Posse have scored first.
“Last night was first time we’re not behind going into second,” said Dirk. “A lot of focus is to score the first goal and win that first period.”
Dirk wants to see how the Posse responds when they have to come from behind. Following four games, Dirk doesn’t feel his team has played its best. He also felt their execution wasn’t as good as it needed to be.
“Starting to get more pucks to the net and getting to net,” he said. “Getting rebounds. That’s what we have to do.”
After the first three games, the Posse managed 35, 38 and29 shots on goal. In Game 4, they managed just 21 on goalie Jessie Gordichuk.
While both teams have been able to secure wins on their home ice, the obvious now is that if one of these teams is to prevail and move onto the second round, one will have to win on the road.
“We feel good about ourselves and can win in Princeton,” said Dirk, adding that the Posse’s physical style works well on their small ice surface. “It’s just a matter of doing it.”
The Lakers, who entered the KIJHL playoffs as the lowest scoring team remaining, share that stat with the Posse after four games. They both have seven goals for an average of 1.75.