After gaining a split on the road, the Soo Thunderbirds returned home for Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League playoff action on Wednesday night.
A goal by Gabriel Rheault 5:31 into the third period was the difference as the Rayside-Balfour Canadians took a 2-1 series lead over the Thunderbirds with a 4-3 victory at the John Rhodes Community Centre.
Rheault’s goal came just under four minutes after Tristan Cicchello scored a pair of goals 44 seconds apart in the opening minutes of the third to erase a 3-1 Rayside lead.
Cicchello scored all three Thunderbirds goals in the contest.
Sault goaltender Eric Schuch stopped 28 shots in the loss.
Rheault and Jacob Partridge had a goal and an assist each for the Canadians. Kyle Liinamaa and Matthew Neault also scored. Defenceman Ryan O’Bonsawin assisted on three goals for Rayside.
Canadians goaltender Brayden Lachance made 41 saves, including 29 in the final 40 minutes of the contest.
The Thunderbirds will look to rebound on Thursday night in game four. Puck drop at the John Rhodes is set for 7:30 p.m.
Game five is Sunday in Chelmsford while game six, if necessary, is Monday night in the Sault.