In another 2-1 decision, this one needing overtime, the Smoke Eaters pulled out the victory on home ice to take a 2-0 series lead to Prince George.
In another low scoring battle in game two the Smoke Eaters and Spruce Kings both started slow following a highly emotional game just 24 hours before. With no scoring through the first period and just nine shots in total both teams had chances but missed the net. Again Prince George played like they had the lead and gave the Smoke Eaters little to no room to operate playing a very good defensive game. After the first both teams left the ice knowing something had to change if they wanted to win this game.
In the second it was a penalty and excessive arguing that lead to the double minor against Wil Kushnryik that gave the Smoke Eaters a four minute power play to work with. On the ensuing power play BCHL MVP and Top Scorer Kent Johnson added his first goal of the post season, as the puck came off Chase Dafoe in front to Johnson on the right side who had nothing but net to shoot at.
The Smoke Eaters would take that lead into the third period and late into the game. In a role reversal from Friday nights game, the Spruce Kings needing a goal, got it on the power play with 5:44 to go. The Smoke Eaters played aggressive with the lead and looked to double their advantage to no avail. Prince George who scored on the power play for the second consecutive game had this one tapped in by Fin Williams on the door step as he won the battle in front to tap the puck past Logan Terness. With both goaltenders barely giving an inch, this game was headed to overtime despite each team getting a chance late to win the game.
In the first overtime game of the BCHL Playoffs and the Smoke Eaters first overtime game since September on home ice it was the hometown boys who claimed OT glory. Right from the get go the Smoke Eaters wanted it more and it showed. Despite both teams only being credited with a shot each it was Trail who had the possession and the opportunities. Even with a power play in overtime the Smoke Eaters had to wait till the 6:34 mark of overtime for Owen Ozar to win it. As the Smoke Eaters cycled and changed on the fly, it was Ozar who came off the bench unmarked to score the winner. Philippe Lapointe made a great cross ice pass to Johnson who held and waited for Ozar to get into the play before he threw the puck at the net. His shot would ultimately be blocked but Ozar made a slick move to grab the loose puck, go forehand backhand top shelf over Jett Alexander for the winner.
Ozar picked up his first goal of the post season to give the Smokies a 2-0 series lead heading into game three Monday night in Prince George. Johnson was named the Fortis Energy Player of the Game with a goal and an assist. Alexander was again named the third star, Terness the second and Ozar the first with his game winning goal. For back to back nights the Smoke Eaters pick up the 2-1 win as they head to Prince George, a tough building to play in for games 3 and 4, possibly game 5.
