The Salmon Arm SilverBacks no longer control their own destiny in the BCHL's Interior Division, following Saturday's 4-3 OT defeat at the hands of the Merritt Centennials.
The 'Backs will now have to win all their remaining games in regulation, while hoping the Centennials lose their remaining games in regulation, in hopes of catching Merritt for the final Playoff spot.
Salmon Arm was hot off the start on Saturday, scoring two minutes into the game, thanks to continuous offensive pressure that ended with Alex Gillies' 27th goal of the season, for a 1-0 lead.
The Centennials were equal to the task at the Shaw Centre, scoring a pair of 1st Period goals to earn a 2-1 advantage after 20 minutes, despite being out-shot 14-9.
The SilverBacks came close to scoring on an extended 5-on-3, that spanned into the 2nd Period, but the Centennials were able to keep the puck from the back of their net. Each team scored in the 2nd frame, with Nick Josephs getting the credit for the Salmon Arm goal that cut the Merritt lead to 3-2.
Salmon Arm's Cole McCaskill was the momentary hero on Saturday, scoring a late goal on the power-play to force over-time; although the excitement was short lived, as the Centennials Sebastian Pare took just :14 to score in extra minutes.
McCaskill was named the game's 2nd Star for his efforts, while Nick Josephs was the Energy Player of the Game. Angus Redmond made 25 on the night for Salmon Arm.
The 'Backs visit Merritt this Wednesday, in a game they must win in regulation, in hopes of keeping their Playoff dreams alive.
