The Virden Oil Capitals dropped Game 2 of the third-round series Sunday night, falling 3-1 to the Niverville Nighthawks at Tundra Oil & Gas Place.
With the win, Niverville takes a 2-0 series lead, putting the Oil Caps in an early hole as the series shifts forward.
The Nighthawks struck first late in the opening period, as Moore found the back of the net at 2:59, giving Niverville a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes. Virden generated chances but was unable to beat Niverville goaltender Dubinsky, who was steady throughout the night.
Niverville extended its lead early in the second period when Boles scored just 1:55 in, making it 2-0. The Nighthawks added another later in the frame, as Zeller scored, pushing the lead to 3-0 and putting Virden in a difficult position heading into the third.
The Oil Caps continued to battle and finally broke through in the third period. At 15:06, Goertzen got Virden on the board, finishing a play to cut the deficit to 3-1. Despite continued pressure late in the game, the Oil Caps were unable to find another goal.
Goaltender Burdeny made 25 saves on 28 shots, keeping Virden within reach for much of the game. At the other end, Dubinsky turned aside 28 of 29 shots.
Virden outshot Niverville 29-28, but couldn’t convert on key opportunities, including going 0-for-3 on the power play.
With the loss, the Oil Caps now trail the series 2-0 and will look to regroup and respond as the series continues. Game 3 goes Tuesday night in Niverville.
Final Score
Niverville Nighthawks 3
Virden Oil Capitals 1
Series
Niverville leads Round 3 series 2-0
