Royals blow late lead in OT loss to Vancouver

VANCOUVER 2 VICTORIA 1 (OT)

The Victoria Royals frustrated the WHL B.C. Division-leading Vancouver Giants for the longest time Saturday night at the Pacific Coliseum.

But has been so often the case this season, the Royals still found themselves on the short end of a tight game in going down 2-1 in overtime to the Giants.

Victoria was leading on a goal by Tarun Fizer at 13:29 of the third period. Wearing Buddy the Elf-themed jerseys on Teddy Bear Toss Night, the Giants left it until 1:19 remaining in the third period for their first goal. It came from the skilled Vancouver blueliner Bowen Byram, projected for the first round of the 2019 NHL draft, who swept from behind the net and tucked home a feed from former Royal Jared Dmytriw in the short side.

That triggered an avalanche of stuffed toys thrown on the ice for charity by the 9,385 fans, who had been growing increasingly concerned.

Then it was left to Dmytriw to again haunt his old teammates as the Giants captain scored on a breakaway in overtime as Vancouver snatched victory when all seemed lost just moments before.

Both goaltenders were outstanding, with Griffen Outhouse making 36 saves in regulation time for the Royals and David Tendeck 24 for the the Giants.

The Royals, who began the season 7-0, are 13-12-1. The brutal trajectory of that hockey math is hardly subtle.

“The mood in the room is still upbeat,” said Royals coach Dan Price.

“In three of our previous four games, the opposing goalie was named the first star. We are creating chances.” The Giants are 21-6-2. It was the second time in two nights that Victoria went into the third period scoreless, following Friday’s 2-0 loss in Kelowna.

The Royals meet the Portland Winterhawks (18-10-2) on Blanshard on Tuesday and Wednesday.