Five days ago, the Victoria Grizzlies held a commanding 3-1 lead in their Island Division finals series against Cowichan Valley. But heading into action Tuesday night, the RBC Cup hosts risked bowing out in their first playoff round following back-to-back Caps wins.
But just when they were needed most, Victoria's leaders stepped up in a 6-0 Game Seven win at the Bear Mountain Arena.
Evan Pighin and Jonathan Milhouse each tallied three points in the victory and helped fuel a four-goal second period, while trade deadline acquisition Trever Hertz also made an impact, scoring the eventual game winner 13:59 into the first period.
But first star honours went to Grizzlies netminder Anthony Grieco, who stopped 37 shots for the shutout, including 25 through 40 minutes of play. Meanwhile, Coastal Conference MVP Chris Rawlings was shelled for 49 shots in the loss.
Victoria now moves on to face the Mainland Division champion Powell River Kings for a spot in the Fred Page Cup Finals. That best-of-seven series will begin on Friday at Bear Mountain.
