The Soo Greyhounds lost an opportunity to gain some ground on the Plymouth Whalers with a loss in Brampton.
Opening a three-game road trip on Thursday night, the Greyhounds continued to struggle offensively as the Brampton Battalion skated to a 2-1 victory.
With the Whalers losing 5-2 in Windsor on Thursday, the Greyhounds at 17-20-5-1 remain three points back of Plymouth for first place in the Ontario Hockey League's west division although the Whalers hold two games in hand.
The Greyhounds came out running off the drop of the puck and pressured the Battalion but were turned aside by Brampton netmider Daren Machesney.
Brampton regained their composure as Aaron Snow opened the scoring at 6:43 of the first period. Ryan Oulahen scored the game winner early in the second period as the Battalion grabbed a 2-0 lead.
Jason Pitton scored his 13th goal of the season for the Hounds late in the second period as both teams were held scoreless in the third period.
Jakub Cech took the loss in goal for the Hounds while stopping 25 of 27 shots. Machesney faced 28 Greyhound shots.
The Greyhounds will hit the national airwaves on Friday as they take on the Guelph Storm at 7 p.m. live on Rogers Sportsnet, local cable channel 32.
The Hounds conclude their road trip Sunday night in Oshawa.
Next home action for the locals is next Friday, Jan. 21 against the Owen Sound Attack at 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Gardens.