The New Westminster Salmonbellies let their shot-taking do the talking in Game 3 of Western Lacrosse Association final.
The Salmonbellies kept its gloves on for the most part and took back the series advantage with a 10-7 win over the Langley Thunder at Queen's Park Arena on Sunday.
With the win, New Westminster took a 2-1 lead in the series, with Game 4 played Tuesday in Langley (after Record deadlines).
On Friday, a late third-period brawl marred a 12-6 win for Langley, which allowed the Thunder to even the best-of-seven series.
In Sunday's contest, New Westminster stuck to what it does best, and kept up a quick passing game even when the game went sour for it in the middle stanza.
Outshot 20-7 in the second period, the 'Bellies still managed to keep hold of the lead, cashing in with four goals in the period, including back-to-back markers from rookie Kevin Crowley, who is quickly becoming the star of the series.
In the first three games of the final, the rangy righthander has garnered 15 points, including nine goals, and has been named a game star in all three outings.
Crowley was the game's first star in Sunday's win following a seven-point performance.
Another young rising star, Brandon Goodwin, potted his first WLA playoff goal in Langley on Friday, but added to his post-season tallies with a lovely marker off the bench that made the score 3-1 late in the opening frame.
"The first (goal) was a greasy rebound, but it felt good," said Goodwin after Sunday's win. "Honestly, I'm just keeping my legs moving and trying to do what I can do."
The Salmonbellies are trying to do that, too.
"We just weren't moving the ball around as well (on Friday). (Langley) is a great team. They hustle up and down the floor. We had to match their work ethic tonight," said 'Bellies face-off man Tyler Crompton.
New West took a 4-1 lead on Martin Cummings' second goal of the game to open the second period.
But Langley rallied to tie the contest 5-5 on Jamie Lincoln's outside shot on a four-against-three advantage.
Crowley then went to work, potting his pair in a two-minute span, including a playoff-high eighth goal.
Teammates Cliff Smith and Jordan McBride also tallied their eighth goals of the post season later in the final period.
Jordan Hall, who was held without a goal in Friday's loss, scored twice in a four-point outing on Sunday.
The many onlookers who came to Queen's Park hoping to see more of the fisticuffs that coloured Friday's matchup did not go home completely unsatisfied.
Smith accepted Todd Stockdale's invitation late in the game and was full value for the decision.
The series moves back to Queen's Park Thursday. Game time is 7:45 p.m.
