Cole Todd scored the game-winner with less than two-and-a-half minutes left and Chad Staley added an insurance marker to lift the Prince George Spruce Kings to a 4-2 win over the Langley Rivermen Friday night at the Coliseum.
Todd's goal, his first of the post-season, broke a 2-2 tie late in the third period in Game 3 of the best-of-seven B.C. Hockey League Mainland Division quarter-final.
Staley's goal, also his first of the post-season, was an empty-netter with 49 seconds left in the game.
Prince George now leads the series 2-1 going into tonight's contest, Game 4 at the Coliseum at 7 p.m.
On Friday night in front of 1,037 fans at the Coliseum, in a fast and physical game by both sides, Langley trailed 2-0 going into the third period after a scoreless second frame.
That was until Langley forward Hunter Anderson skated in past a Kings' penalty killer and tucked the puck underneath Prince George netminder Jesse Jenks to narrow the lead to 2-1 at the 4:20 mark of the third period.
The Rivermen tied the game at 2-2 on a goal from Ryan Coulter.
Shortly after, the Kings had a 5-on-3 man-advantage for about 30 seconds, but couldn't capitalize on their scoring chances.
Both teams traded chances as Langley netminder Bo Didur, along with Jenks kept their teams in the game until Todd scored what turned into the eventual winner.
In the first, the Kings took a 2-0 lead as Michael Buonincontri tapped in the puck from the side of the net on a power play. It was his second goal of the post-season.
Jarryd Leung opened the scoring for Prince George at the 1:26 mark.
Langley outshot Prince George 27-25.
Game 5 is Monday in Langley, and Game 6, if necessary is Tuesday in Prince George.
Tickets are still available for the Spruce Kings Show Home Lottery. The draw is March 19. For more information on where to purchase a ticket, visit http://www.sprucekingsshowhome.ca/
