It’s now a best-of-three playoff for the Grandview Steelers.
The junior B Steelers were shut out for the second consecutive game at home by the Richmond Sockeyes in their Pacific Junior Hockey League best-of-seven playoff.
The Steelers stole both series’ matchups in Richmond last week before giving back the advantage following Sunday’s 2-0 loss and then a 3-0 defeat on Wednesday to the Sockeyes at the Burnaby Winter Club.
In what has turned out to be a visitor’s series, stealing a game at home could prove the difference in the final three playoff games.
“Hopefully that’s the way it works,” said Grandview head coach Aldo Bruno.
Timothy Chow opened the playoff with a hat trick for the Steelers, netting the game’s first star in a 4-2 win on Feb. 19.
Peter Matthews tied the game 2-2 late in the middle period. Chow tallied twice in the final frame, including an empty net marker.
The following Saturday, Adam Rota garnered a four-point night, including the game-winner in the second period to take a two-game lead in the series following a 5-2 win in Richmond.
Chow, who set up Rota for the Saturday winner, also scored in the middle frame in a three-point outing.
Cameron Ginnetti and Braedon Gurney also scored for the Steelers in Game 2.
MacInnes was solid in goal, kicking out 38 shots for his second straight win.
In Burnaby, Richmond scored three times in the final period, including an empty-netter on Wednesday.
On Sunday, MacInnes allowed just one goal on 29 shots before the Sockeyes iced the game with an empty-net counter in the final minute of play.
“We just lost that (scoring) touch,” Bruno said.
Game 5 was played in Richmond on Thursday (after NOWdeadlines).
Game 6 is back at the winter club on Sunday, beginning at 4 p.m.
If necessary, a final seventh game will be held at the Richmond Arena on Monday at 7:30 p.m.
