The Abbotsford Heat simply couldn't sink the Peoria Rivermen on Tuesday evening.
The host Rivermen rallied twice, including a game-tying goal by Adam Cracknell in the final minute of the third period, and prevailed in the shootout to claim a 4-3 victory.
The Heat opened a 2-0 lead on goals by Ben Walter and Akim Aliu in the first period. But Peoria battled back in the middle frame, leveling the score as Phil McRae and Brennan Evans beat Abbotsford goalie Danny Taylor.
The Heat went ahead once more at 5:54 of the third, as the red-hot Walter notched his second of the night. The veteran centre has four goals and an assist over his past four games.
But with just 48 seconds left in regulation and goalie Ben Bishop on the bench for an extra attacker, the Rivermen got a fortunate bounce, as the puck caromed off Cracknell's leg and into the cage to knot the score.
The Heat had a great chance to secure two points in overtime, as Peoria's Cade Fairchild picked up a high-sticking penalty. But they were unable to beat Bishop, despite putting eight shots on net during the ensuing power play.
In the shootout, Peoria's Derek Nesbitt and Brett Sterling scored, while Hugh Jessiman was the lone Heat shooter to solve Bishop. It marked Abbotsford's first shootout defeat – they'd won their first five breakaway contests this season.
The loss left the Heat (28-20-3-1) in seventh place in the Western Conference standings, one point back of the Rivermen (29-22-2-1), who have played two more games.
The Heat continue their road trip with three games in three days – Friday at the Milwaukee Admirals, Saturday at the Chicago Wolves, and Sunday back in Peoria.
Heat defenceman Jordan Henry keeps tabs on Peoria forward Brett Sterling while goalie Danny Taylor tracks the puck during Tuesday evening's game.