The Alberni Valley Bulldogs began the best of seven BCHL Island Division playoffs with a 3-0 loss to the Grizzlies in Victoria.
Shots on goal favoured the Grizzlies 35-18. The Grizz were also 1-5 on the power play.
The Bulldogs were still in it after a scoreless first period.
In the second period, the Grizzlies made it 1-0 after they capitalized on Bulldogs Zak Bowles took a roughing penalty. Strom Wahlrab made it 2-0 before the end of the period.
And the Grizzlies Kevin Massy made it 3-0 on an empty netter in the third period to close out the game.
Flatlined play marked a game that was “Frustrating and embarrassing,” Bulldogs head coach Kevin Willison said after the game on 93.3 The Peak.
“We weren't even close to the intensity we need in playoff hockey,” Willson said. “There's no excuse for how flat we were.”
Playoff hockey is a different animal than regular season hockey. Everything from decision making and play execution is faster, Willison said. “We can't be comfortable just making the playoffs. We have to play with emotion and be fired up.”
Game two was played Wednesday in Victoria after the News went to press.
Games three and four are on Friday and Saturday night in Port Alberni.
reporter@albernivalleynews.com
Twitter.com/AlberniNews
* Read a blow-by-blow of the game by the Peak's Evan Hammond here.