The Kelowna Rockets had the Victoria squad on the ropes and appeared to have the undisciplined Royals down for the count until late in the third period.
The Rockets started off on the right foot getting a two goal lead in the first, with Lucas Johansen getting his first career WHL playoff goal with a blast from the point and Tyson Baillie getting his sixth of the playoffs.
Nick Merkley received third star honours for his one assist performance in the Rockets first loss in post season play for 2015. (file photo KelownaNow)
Austin Carrol with his first of the playoffs made it 2-1. Rourke Chartier scored his sixth late in the period to make it 3-1. All four goals scored in the period came within a three minute span with less than five minutes to go in the first.
The Rockets outshot the Royals 17 to 9 in the first and appeared to have the game in control.
The Rockets and Royals exchanged goals in the second, Jack Walker finally got one between Jackson Whistle and the post after having hit the post three times in the past three games.
Tomas Soustal with his fourth of the playoffs late in the second restored the two goal lead on the Royals.
The 4-2 lead appeared to be a safe bet going into the third for the Rockets especially against the undisciplined Royals who gave the Rockets eight power-play opportunities to the three that they earned. No goals were scored on the man advantage for either team.
Just past ten minutes of the third, Walker would strike again with his second of the game getting them within striking distance.
Brandon Magee with his ninth of the playoffs not even a minute later would give the Royals the tying goal and force overtime.
The main difference in this Victoria comeback compared to their three goal comeback in game two was the Royals would start OT at even strength, but that only lasted 14 seconds as Magee was called for goalie interference.
Justin Paulic got his first start in the series against the Rockets and stopped 36 of 40 shots thrown his way. (file photo - KelownaNow)
The Royals managed to stave off the eighth power-play against them, with Justin Paulic making some big saves to fight off elimination.
At 5:30 of the OT period with a delayed penalty being called on the Rockets, a mad scramble in front of Whistle had everyone out in front of the net with the exception of Paulic. In that chaos Greg Chase would step up and be the overtime hero forcing a game five at Prospera Place on Friday night. A redemption of sorts for Chase after being tossed in the first period of game two for undisciplined actions.
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