Reid Gardiner scores OT winner to tie series at one

The Kelowna Rockets while outplayed in the first period scored the only two goals. The first goal came off the stick of Nick Merkley just past the midway mark of the first. Merkley capitalized on a Thunderbird turnover at their blue line and put his fourth goal of the playoffs past Carl Stankowski. Seattle did argue to no avail that Kelowna forced the turnover by an uncalled hook at the blue line.

This is why you don’t leave @merkdaddy4 alone behind the defense. @Kelowna_Rockets lead 1-0. #SEAvsKEL #WHLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/QvRRsKGtDm

— #WHLPlayoffs (@TheWHL) April 23, 2017

In stark contrast to game one, it was Seattle getting the power play opportunities. The Thunderbirds went to the man advantage twice, in their second power play they coughed up a short handed goal as the buzzer went to end the first period. Seattle players had let up on the puck with mere seconds left on the period and Calvin Thurkauf moved the puck to Reid Gardiner who fired it past Stankowski to book his 14th of the playoffs.

Late goal for the @Kelowna_Rockets comes right under the buzzer. Guess who? Mr. @reidgardiner19, of course. #SEAvsKEL #WHLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/KBWlZ4l1Ve

— #WHLPlayoffs (@TheWHL) April 23, 2017

The Merkley goal marks the first time Seattle would give up the first goal of the game in this year's playoff drive.

In the second, Seattle dominated the play throughout the game, and did finally get rewarded with a goal when Ethan Bear jumped up from the blue line and scored on the power play making it 2-1.

Kelowna's Kole Lind restored the two goal lead with 26 seconds left, when he scored his fifth of the playoffs.

Kelowna played their best period of hockey in the third, but it was Seattle scoring two goals to tie the game. First it was Keegan Kolesar with his seventh and then Donovan Neuls with his sixth.

Kelowna was given lots of opportunity to finish the game off including a four minute high sticking man advantage late in the game which they could not score on. Merkley did pick up a goaltender interference call basically wiping out the second part of the power play..

Kelowna controlled the puck in the last minute and had several tremendous opportunities on Stankowski who made amazing glove hand saves one after another. Shots were 28 for Kelowna and 31 for Seattle after three periods of play.

In the overtime frame at the 4:56 minute mark, Gardiner once again put on his cape and jumped on a turnover and got in all alone on Stankowski and tied the series at one game a piece.

.@reidgardiner19 🔥🔥🔥 OT hero in Game 2. #SEAvsKEL #WHLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/OF5BuFkU5f

— #WHLPlayoffs (@TheWHL) April 23, 2017

This marks the first loss for Seattle and the first OT win for the Rockets in this year's playoff drive.

Kelowna heads home with a split and home ice advantage. Games three and four will take place at Prospera Place this coming Tuesday and Wednesday.