Sim, Sahajpal Lead Western Capitals’ Comeback Road Victory Over Crushers

By Reegan MacAulay

The Summerside Western Capitals had some unfinished business in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia.

After a lopsided 7-2 loss in their previous visit to Pictou County, the Western Capitals returned Thursday night with momentum from a strong three-game homestand and were looking to turn the tables on the Crushers. Summerside entered the game with a 4-7-0-1 road record and a 2-1 season-series lead over Pictou County.

Trailing by two goals entering the third period after a middle frame plagued by penalties and four Pictou County goals, the Western Capitals mounted a furious comeback. Kaidan Sahajpal forced overtime with a late equalizer before Lane Sim completed the turnaround with an early overtime winner to secure the 5-4 victory.

Summerside opened the scoring late in the first period, as Sahajpal found the back of the net at 16:14.

Just over two minutes into the second period, the Western Capitals converted on the power play. Justin Ouellette scored his 15th goal of the season and his fifth in his last four games.

The tide quickly turned after a Summerside penalty at 4:12, allowing the Crushers to take control of the contest. Further penalties ultimately contributed to Pictou County’s mid-game scoring tear, as the Crushers scored four times in 10:34 to turn a two-goal deficit into a two-goal lead.

But the Western Capitals weren’t finished. Sim gave Summerside life at 14:40 of the third period to bring the Western Capitals within one. Sahajpal later tied the game 4-4 with just 38 seconds remaining in regulation.

Just 1:39 into overtime, Sim finished the comeback with his second goal of the night, capping a three-point performance with the game-winner. He earned first-star honours, while Sahajpal, who has recorded four goals and five points over his last three games, was named the game’s third star.

Max Picard started for Summerside and turned aside 27 shots. George Gallant denied 29 shots for Pictou County. The Western Capitals went 1-for-3 on the power play, while the Crushers went 3-for-4.

The victory improved Summerside to 12-7-1-1, keeping the Western Capitals second in the Eastlink South Division and third overall in the league standings.

The Western Capitals hit the road again Saturday, visiting the league-leading Valley Wildcats for a rematch of last Saturday’s 6-2 victory at Credit Union Place.

Puck drop in Berwick, Nova Scotia, is at 7 p.m. Watch live at www.flohockey.tv.