Lakers defeat Royals in O.T.

Royals defenceman Felix Gilbert (#5) sets up a power play. Photo by Carole Turner.

The Temiscaming Royals suffered a real tough loss Monday night in game 5 of their semifinal series with the Innisfil Lakers losing in overtime 4-3 in front of 528 at the Centre. The Lakers who now lead the series and can eliminate the Royals Tuesday night in Innisfil.

The first period was all Royals as the home team held a 20-5 shot margin but couldn't put one pass Matt Treadwell of the Lakers. The Lakers opened the scoring on a goal by Jonathan Dew and less than 2 minutes upped their lead to two goals as Darcy Vaillancourt buried a wrist shot past the Royals goalie Guillaume Piche. Before the end of the second period, the Royals closed the gap to 2-1 on a Brandon Blanche deflection off a Robbie Bird point shot.

With the crowd urging them on, the Royals opened the scoring in the third on a goal from Corey Raymond. But the Lakers regained the lead at the eight minute mark on a Guy Wallace goal. With less than 3 minutes to play the Lakers were given a minor penalty, this was the opportunity the Royals needed. Coach McCharles pulled his goalie for an extra attacker and with only 25 seconds left in regulation, Benoit Fiset's point shot was deflected in over goalie Matt Treadwell by one of his own defenseman.

The crowd was still cheering for the beginning of overtime. But a Royals penalty resulted in a quick power play and Darcy Vaillancourt to put an end to the game at the 12 minute mark.

Now the Royals face the task of having to win tomorrow evening in Innisfil to be able to force game #7 in Temiscaming Thursday.

Submitted to BayToday.ca