Vancouver, Medicine Hat prevail

Dustin Slade blocked 32 shots in posting his second shutout in as many games as the Vancouver Giants won 5-0 on Tuesday to take a commanding lead in their Western Hockey League playoff series against the Everett Silvertips.

Slade made 18 saves in Vancouver’s 2-0 win at home on Saturday.

The Giants hold a 3-0 advantage in the best-of-7 Western Conference final and can earn a berth in the championship with a win Thursday night in Everett.

Gilbert Brule scored a pair of goals to lead the way for Vancouver.

In the Eastern Conference finals, the Medicine Hat Tigers turned the tide following a 5-minute major and game misconduct to top-end defenseman Cam Barker and skated to a 5-3 road victory over Moose Jaw.

The Tigers now trail the best-of-7 series 2-1 with Game 4 set for tonight at the Civic Centre.