The Grandview Steelers dug a deep hole for themselves in Pacific Junior Hockey League playoffs.
The junior B Steelers fell behind 3-0 in their first round best-of-seven playoff, dropping a close 3-1 decision to the league-leading Richmond Sockeyes at the Burnaby Winter Club on Sunday.
The Steelers opened the series well, before falling 4-3 in overtime at the Richmond Arena on Feb. 20.
Grandview took a 3-0 lead early in the third period in the opener but gave up three answered counters later in the frame, including the game-tying tally by Dominic Centis in the final minute of regulation time.
Ayden MacDonald, who scored an empty-net goal in Sunday’s win, scored the OT-winner.
Grandview also lost 5-0 to the Sockeyes on Saturday.
At home, Steelers goalie Cole MacInnes was named a third star in the loss.
Jacob Mills scored the Steelers’ lone goal on a late third-period scramble that shaved the 2-0 deficit in half.
“Right now, we’re taking too many penalties and theirs is probably the best power play in the league,” said Mills after the game. “We’re trying to keep and open mind, … but it’s hard to keep momentum when we take so many penalties.”
Game 4 of the playoff series will be played at the Burnaby Winter Club today (Wednesday). Puck drops at 7:15 p.m.
