The playoff race between Kamloops and Kelowna will need all 68 games in the regular season.
Connor Zary scored late in the third to secure one point for the Blazers, but the Prince George Cougars prevailed 5-4 in overtime Friday night at the Sandman Centre.
After the Blazers dominated possession for three minutes to start overtime, the Cougars turned up ice on a quick three-on-one and Vladislav Mikhalchuk deked to bury the winner, his second goal of the night and fourth point of the game.
Kamloops entered the third period with a 2-1 lead, but three goals by Prince George put the visitors ahead by two, midway through the third.
The Blazers dug deep late, first with a powerplay goal from Kyrell Sopotyk before Zary scored with the home team’s net empty.
Now with 67 games in the books, the Blazers and Kelowna Rockets are tied with 62 points each for third in the B.C. Division. The Rockets lost 2-1 in Vancouver to the Giants in regulation, and those teams will meet again in Kelowna tomorrow night.
Kamloops and Prince George finish a home-and-home of their own in B.C.’s northern capital tomorrow night.
Should the Blazers and Rockets still sit tied in points after tomorrow night, a one-game playoff would happen Tuesday night in Kamloops between those teams.
The Blazers have to battle from 4-2 down in the third to get a point tonight. Now tied with Kelowna for the final playoff spot.
WATCH: 🎥 pic.twitter.com/FppIBbY5UC— Kamloops Blazers (@blazerhockey) March 16, 2019
