The Alberni Valley Bulldogs dropped a 3-1 decision to the Surrey Eagles on Friday night to open their Best-of-7 Coastal Conference Semifinal series in front of a capacity crowd at the South Surrey Arena.
The loss snapped an 8 game winning streak for the Bulldogs overall, and it was their first defeat of the playoffs after sweeping the Grizzlies.
For nearly 48 minutes, the Bulldogs played a picture-perfect road game. A goal from Will Elger late in the 1st period gave them a 1-0 lead.
After a 2nd period in which the Bulldogs allowed just 5 Surrey shots, it looked like that might be all the offence they needed on the night.
The Eagles however had a different plan and struck for two goals in just 33 seconds to take the lead and stun the Bulldogs. Ante Zlomislic sealed the game into the empty net at 19:17 of the 3rd period.
The Eagles were 1 for 2 on the PP while the Bulldogs were 0 for 1. Final shots favoured the Bulldogs 30-27 in the loss.
Now the Bulldogs must flip the page quickly and try to earn the split out the South Surrey Arena and send it back to the Dawg Pound on even terms.
Tonight’s game is set for 6 pm and there will be a watch party at Boston Pizza.
