The Estevan Bruins are in an early hole in their first round playoff series against the Flin Flon Bombers after losing Game 1 Friday night.

The Bombers came out in the first period and scored three unanswered goals, riling up the Whitney Forum crowd. It was a deficit that proved to be too much for the Bruins to overcome.

Dawson Karol, Cory King, Alexi Sylvestre, and Ethan Mercer scored for the Bombers.

Estevan captain Kade Runke had the lone Bruins tally, which came in the second period.

The Bruins were outshot 49-30, with Estevan goaltender Cam Hrdlicka making 49 saves.

The Bombers now lead the best of seven series 1-0.

Game 2 goes Saturday night in Flin Flon.