Cowichan Valley Capitals - Powered By esportsdesk.com

Duncan, BC - Storm Phaneuf was outstanding in his best performance to date making a whopping 57 saves as the Capitals skated to a thrilling 2-2 tie against the visiting Wenatchee Wild Friday night.

Luke Santerno scored the Capitals' Teddy Bear Toss goal early in the third period on the power play to tie the game at one while captain Adam Osczevski scored yet another tying goal to force overtime as the Caps gain one point on Powell River but fall one further behind on the division leading Clippers.

The opening period was one of the most entertaining of the season as the Caps and Wild both played physical while exchanging scoring opportunites while both goaltenders were exceptional. The Wild outshot the Caps 19-11 through the first 20 minutes to start what really felt like a playoff type battle.

The Wild opened scoring 3:02 into the third when Phaneuf made a terrific save with the rebound coming out high in the slot to Wenatchee captain Mike Coyne who earned his ninth of the season. Despite a number of quality chances, the Capitals couldn't solve Garret Nieto who made 21 saves through 40 minutes as the Wild took a 1-0 lead into the third.

But then on the Caps' third power play of the game early in the final frame, Mitch Meek carried the puck through the slot before feeding Luke Santerno at the side who scored his tenth of the season and third in the last four games tying the game at one.

It seemed as if the game was destined to head to overtime deadlocked at one goal apiece but Joe Drabin put the Wild ahead 2-1 on a rebound chance after the Caps got stuck in the defensive zone unable to clear the puck with just under five minutes to go. Exactly one minute later, however, it was Osczevski who backhanded his own rebound past Nieto to tie the game once again with 3:43 remaining. The goal was controversial as the net was coming off its moorings but after the officials conferenced and conferred with the goal judge, the call was made and the game eventually went into overtime.

Phaneuf made an incredible 11 saves through the two overtime periods easily earning the game's first star. Nieto finished with 30 saves for third star honours as the Capitals were outshot 59-32 overall. Both teams finished 1/4 on the power play.

The single point is the second tie of the season for the Capitals who are now 16-11-2-3, two points clear of Powell River for second in the division after the Kings lost at home to Trail Friday night. The Smoke Eaters pay a visit to Alberni Valley Saturday before making their only stop of the season at the Big Stick Sunday afternoon at 2:00pm while the Caps will use Saturday for some much needed rest.