Linden Vey's three-point night scorched the Kootenay Ice last night, as the Medicine Hat Tigers came from behind to win the return engagement of a home-and-home.

Vey assisted on one third-period goal and went on to score the game winner a few minutes later.

"Each team had chances, both goalies played well and they capitalized on a late power play to take the lead. It was a good game," said Ice assistant coach Todd Johnson.

Nathan Lieuwen made 26 saves for the Ice, while Tyler Bunz stopped 32 shots on the Tigers' behalf.

The Tigers (24-10-2-0) drew back within one point of the Ice (24-11-1-2), who retained top spot in the Central Division.

"It was a tough game tonight. Both teams played hard, and they came out on top tonight just like we came out on top last night," said Johnson.

Kootenay had won the first half of the two-game series 6-3 in Cranbrook on Tuesday.

Last night's result marked just the second time this season that Kootenay dropped a third-period lead to lose in regulation.

Johnson said a Medicine Hat penalty kill four minutes into the third gave them traction for the comeback.

After the Ice had overcome a one-goal second-period deficit, Vey helped tie the game midway through the final frame by setting up Curtis Valk in the middle slot.

About three minutes later, the Tigers took the lead on a man advantage. The Ice failed on a few clearing chances and Vey made them pay, snapping in his 24th goal of the season.

After a late timeout, the Ice got a couple of chances by charging the Tigers' net, but couldn't force overtime.

Medicine Hat had to ice a shortened lineup again with just 10 forwards dressed on Wednesday.

The Ice had an edge in physicality last night. Johnson said the Ice aim to be a physically punishing club every game, whether the opponent has three lines or four.

"I think every night we're looking to be the more physical team, and I think we're a better team when we play physical," he said.

After having combined for nine goals and 75 shots a night before in Cranbrook, the Ice and Tigers had been scoreless after one period yesterday.

That changed 1:31 in the middle frame, when Vey led an odd-man rush into the Ice zone. He fired on net and Ryan Harrison crashed the crease to pick up his 11th goal of the season.

The Ice scored twice in the final four minutes of the period to take a lead into the second intermission.

Christian Magnus got things started for Kootenay when he got the puck from behind the net onto Joe Antilla's stick in front. Antilla ripped a high shot that knocked the water bottle off the mesh and tied the game.

Kootenay took the lead on a late power play, as Kevin King converted a Brayden McNabb pass with three seconds left.

That goal marked Kootenay's seventh straight game in a row in which it has scored with the man advantage. It is 8-for-33 over that span.

"It's all about just getting shots and getting chances," said Johnson. "We've kind of stuck with it and we haven't changed a whole lot on our power play. We're seeing opportunities where guys are making better decisions and better shot selections."

He said the Ice's ability to win puck battles after the shot has been taken has also led to greater success on the man advantage.