Playoffs: Outsiders 5, Squirrels 2

The Squirrels’ season ended with their second consecutive loss in the finals Sunday, this time to the Outsiders, who dropped down from a higher division and is about to return.

The Squirrels played solidly in the first period, hitting the post a couple of times, but only getting a 1-0 lead as Tim Stump scored on the power play. The Squirrels had several power plays throughout the penalty-filled game, where the Outsiders roused the referee’s anger with their constant complaining.

In the second period, the Outsiders had the Squirrels on their heels and scored their first of the game, then scored on a late power play to go up 2-1.

Early in the third period, Vivek Pinto tied the game before Squirrels had a huge opportunity to take the lead with a 5-on-3 advantage. The Outsider killed it, then went on to score three more times.

Despite making the championship, the Squirrels had a relatively lackluster season, finishing with a 6-9 record and going 1-4 down the stretch. But their decisive victories against the Laughing Skulls and the top-seeded Thundercats, plus a hard-fought game in the finals will give them a confidence boost going into the winter season.