The Cowichan Valley Capitals will come home with a 3-1 lead in their first round playoff series against the Powell River Kings after a 2-1 win in Powell River on Wednesday night.
Matt Crasa scored the game-winning goal at 6:37 of the third period to give his team a convincing edge in the best-of-seven series.
“Getting a split on the road was huge for our group heading back to our home ice and crowd,” said Cowichan forward Luciano Wilson, who assisted on Crasa’s game-winner. “It was a very gutsy win. Heading into Friday, we get another healthy body back into the lineup and we look to close out this series.”
Cole Broadhurst made his series debut on Wednesday after serving a three-game suspension he incurred in the regular-season final. Tanner Sidaway will be eligible to return to the lineup on Friday after serving his four-game suspension.
Zach Borgiel stopped 33 of 34 shots in the Cowichan crease, and defenceman Austin Chorney had the Caps’ other goal, which tied the score at 4:27 of the first period. Powell River’s only goal came late in the opening frame.
The Caps can close out the series when the teams return to the Big Stick for game five on Friday at 7 p.m.