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With under 11 seconds remaining in the third period Kelowna Rockets' veteran Cole Linaker redirected a pass from Justin Kirkland into the Victoria Royals' net, earning the Rockets a 4-3 victory. This Rockets' win evens the best of seven WHL playoff series at two games apiece.
The match-up was fairly even throughout the night, as the game was tied 1-1 after the first period, 2-2 after the second, and 3-3 with seconds remaining in the third. Both teams played a strong game, but the Rockets were able to capitalize on one more scoring chance.
On a defensive breakdown by the Rockets in the first period, Victoria's Ethan Price opened the scoring, poking one past Michael Herringer. Minutes later, Joe Gatenby fired a shot from the blue line and past Coleman Vollrath to make the game 1-1.
In the second period, Rockets' leading scorer in the playoffs Tomas Soustal made his way to the front of the Royals' net and buried the Rockets' second goal past Vollrath. The Royals' star of the game, Logan Fisher, responded 40 seconds later to tie it up once again.
Both teams had a number of chances in the third period, firing shots from all over. Justin Kirkland's strong work ethic throughout the game was rewarded on the power play as he sent a Lucas Johansen pass into the Royals' net. For his second of the night, Victoria's Fisher added the Royals' third goal about halfway through the period.
Cole Linaker took on the hero role for the night with his game winning, power play goal late in the third period.
Michael Herringer had another solid game in net for the Rockets, making 32 saves. Vollrath stopped 27 Rockets' shots and suffered the loss for Victoria.
Both teams now head back to Victoria for game five on Friday, April 15th. Game six will be played here at Prospera Place at 5:05pm on Sunday, April 17th.
Tickets are available for the game through www.selectyourtickets.com, at the Prospera Place box office or by phone at 250-762-5050.
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