Lakers can't outshine Maple Ridge stars
It is with some irony that Burnaby's recent loss should be by the exact same score as its most promising victory to date.
But Friday's 13-10 defeat in overtime to the Maple Ridge Burrards was anything but similar to last week's inspired three-goal win over the Victoria Shamrocks in Western Lacrosse Association play.
The end result came down to stopping the Burrards superstars and ultimately Burnaby failed in that department when time on the clock was precious and the outcome mattered most.
A week earlier, the Lakers stood tall against a primed Shamrocks side and kept the pressure on in the front court through all three periods.
This week, Burnaby looked about to do the same thing against Maple Ridge, outscoring the Fraser Valley club 7-4 after two periods.
But what momentum the Lakers may have enjoyed in the opening 40 minutes was left wanting in the final period as Maple Ridge star right-hander Curtis Dickson caught fire with three quick goals in a span of less than four minutes for the Burrards.
Former Burnaby junior Riley Loewen, who had a stellar five-goal, nine-point night for Maple Ridge earned the game's first star, scoring the 9-9 equalizer on a power play with his fourth tally late of the game to force extra time.
Overtime proved no friendlier to the home Lakers.
Maple Ridge went up by a pair of goals midway through the 10-minute extra time before Lakers spark plug Shaun Dhaliwal narrowed the deficit to a single counter with a strong attack on transition.
But Ben McIntosh, who had been kept relatively quiet through regulation time, seized his moment, potting two crafty goals in less than a minute to put the outcome out of reach for Burnaby.
Maple Ridge could well thank their goaltender Frank Scigliano for the comeback opportunity.
The 6-4 netminder allowed just three goals in the latter 45 minutes of play, including overtime, giving plenty of time for his teammates to finally find their scoring touch.
Burnaby helped Maple Ridge out somewhat in that department, committing a number of unforced errors and misplays down the stretch that gave up possession when it was untimely to do so. Penalties, too, played into the hands of the Burrards.
Burnaby keeper Zak Boychuk could not be faulted for the loss, stopping 50 of 63 shots for the now 4-5 Lakers.
Dickson garnered eight points, including a hat trick, for the Burrards. Burnaby's Robert Church and third star Eli McLaughlin also tallied three goals apiece.
With the victory, Maple Ridge moved to the top of the WLA table with seven wins and 15 points, while the Lakers remain stalled in a tie with Langley for fifth spot both with nine points.
Burnaby and the Burrards finish off their season series in Maple Ridge on Tuesday, July 3 at the Cam Neely Arena.
Photos courtesy of Garrett James