With his second shorthanded goal of the game, Eli McLaughlin supplied the Burnaby Lakers with an edge that would carry them past the Maple Ridge Burrards 8-7 on Tuesday.
With the memory of an overtime loss two weeks ago still fresh in their minds, the Lakers took a determined approach to the game against the first-place Burrards.
Although they conceded the first two goals, trailing 2-0 just 4:38 into the contest, Burnaby responded – and with force.
The Lakers reeled off four unanswered goals to end the period up by two.
Early in the second period, McLaughlin counted his first man-short tally, and was followed by Jason Jones to make it six consecutive goals by the home team.
Maple Ridge, however, wasn’t going to go quietly.
Having replenished their roster over the weekend with the additions of NLL veterans Jarrett Davis and Ben McIntosh, the Burrards countered with two quick goals to end the second frame down 6-4, then pulled even with a pair to start the third period.
Cue McLaughlin’s second shorthanded tally, with Dane Stevens serving a five-minute major for elbowing.
Scott Jones, with his second of the night, provided some insurance.
Also scoring for Burnaby were Robert Church, Nathan Klein and Stevens, while rookie Josh Byrne racked up three assists.
Burnaby, sitting tied for third place with a 3-2 record, visits Coquitlam on Saturday (7 p.m.).
On Tuesday, the Lakers play host to the Mann Cup defending champion Victoria Shamrocks, beginning at 7 p.m.
