Two games into their final coastal road swing of the season, the Penticton Valley First Vees have yet to earn a victory. The Burnaby Express scored 59-seconds into the first sudden death overtime to edge the Valley First Vees 3-2, Saturday night at the Bill Copeland Arena.
Penticton led 2-1 after 20 minutes, but couldn?t solve Burnaby goaltender Kevin Jebson the rest of the way, despite outshooting the Express 42 to 28 overall.
Brett Hextall extended his BCHL leading point streak to nine games with the Valley First Vees? opening marker, while Zac Dalpe notched the 25th goal of his rookie season.
Eric Kroshus, Michael Hengen, Cory Schneider, and Devon Krogh each had an assist in the defeat.
Alex Evin has now lost back-to-back games after winning 14 straight. The Penticton netminder made 25 saves on 28 shots. Despite the two weekend setbacks, Evin continues to lead the league in victories and shutouts and is second in both goals against average and save percentage.
With just three games left in the regular season, the (39-14-2-2) Penticton Valley First Vees remain in top spot in the Interior Conference by four points over second place Westside.
The Valley First Vees only need two more points to clinch first in the Interior and can do so with a win over the Eagles on Sunday in Surrey.
SATURDAY NIGHT at BURNABY
FINAL SCORE: BURNABY – 3, PENTICTON – 2 (OT)
Penticton 2 0 0 0 = 2
Burnaby 1 1 0 1 = 3
Goals
Penticton: Brett Hextall – 1 (23), Zac Dalpe – 1 (25)
Burnaby: Carlo Finucci – 1 (33), Lee Baldwin – 1 (6), Brodie Reid – 1 (51/GWG)
Assists
Penticton: Eric Kroshus – 1, Michael Hengen – 1, Cory Schneider – 1,