The Alberni Valley Bulldogs knew that a loss at home on Monday night would put the Coastal Conference's top seed on the brink of elimination heading back to Nanaimo for Game 6 on Tuesday. And facing their most important test of the season, the Bulldogs came through with an excellent offensive effort in a 7-4 win over the Clippers at the Weyerhaeuser Arena.
Tye Lewis got the home side off to a quick start with a goal seven minutes into regulation, but Nanaimo struck back just 11 seconds later by way of a Teal Burns tally. The clubs then traded another pair of goals late in the period, with David Dziurzynski's go-ahead goal quickly wiped away off the stick of Colton Cyr.
The Bulldogs found a lead and made it stick in the middle frame, however, as a pair of goals from Mark MacMillan sandwiched a single from Johnny Rogic to build a three-goal advantage. The Clippers hit the comeback trail once again, as Brayden Jaw and Cody Bremner brought the visitors back within one, but Alberni Valley put the game away late in the third.
Nanaimo was outshot for the fifth time in as many games by a relentless Bulldogs' offence, finishing up the night at a 44-35 disadvantage in shots on goal. Mark MacMillan, who finished the evening with two goals and an assist, was named the game's first star.
The Clippers will now need a win at the Frank Crane Arena on Tuesday to stave off elimination and force a Game 7 back in Alberni Valley a night later. Faceoff is set for 7:00 PM.
