Special teams proved the difference Saturday night in Westside as the Warriors scored twice with the man advantage and held the Trail Smoke Eaters scoreless in five chances on their way to a 4-0 win in Game 7.
Alex Grieve scored just a minute into the game with what would be the winning goal and Grayson Downing's power-play goal later in the first provided the insurance.
Westside gave Trail two power play opportunities in the second but the Smokies couldn't capitalize though they outshot the Warriors 13-9 in the middle frame. Brett Mckinnon's second goal in as many night's was the only scoring of the period.
Trail failed to score on two more power plays early in the third and Downing added the game's final goal on the power play with just under four minutes to go. Kevin Boyle made 33 saves for the shutout. Grieve now has 11 points and takes the playoff scoring lead.
Westside will play the Vernon Vipers in Round 2. The series will begin Tuesday night in Vernon.
