As the saying goes, "A draw is like kissing your sister." But in the New Westminster Salmonbellies' case, it may have cost them a chance at first place, and perhaps even a first-round bye in the playoffs.
The junior A 'Bellies played the Delta Islanders to an 8-8 draw in Ladner on Wednesday, allowing the Queen's Park club to hang on to its tenuous second-place lead in the B.C. Junior Lacrosse League standings.
Both New West and Delta have two games remaining in the league schedule, with the latter club facing bottom feeder Nanaimo in back-to-back meetings this weekend.
Wednesday's outcome in Ladner means tonight's (Friday) matchup with the Adanacs has possible first-place or third-place implications.
Keegan Bal salvaged the single point for the visitors with his second goal of overtime on a power play in the final minute of extra time.
Bal and Reagan Harding, with his second of the game, both scored game-tying goals in OT.
New West trailed 2-0 after the opening 20 minutes, but intermediate call-up Josh Byrne potted a pair back-to-back late in the middle frame to knot the score at 3-3.
Brandon Goodwin again tied the score 4-4 in the opening minute of the third period. Harding tallied his first of two minutes later, giving the Salmonbellies their only lead in the game.
Both Will Schwan and New West keeper Frankie Scigliano were sharp in goal, stopping more than 50 shots apiece.
Harding, Goodwin, Byrne and Anthony Malcom, with four assists, led the junior 'Bellies with four-point outings.
"It was a tough one last night. But we got a point out of it," said New Westminster head coach Dan Perreault. "Friday's game will be important. We're playing for something, which is good."
New West faces the first-place A's tonight (Friday) in Coquitlam. Game time is 8 p.m.
