Gushue rink storms back with critical wins in Brier action

Brad Gushue's path to the Brier playoffs became a bit clearer on Wednesday, as the skip led his team to two wins in critical matches.

Team Newfoundland and Labrador scored a 5-4 win over British Columbia, and a 7-3 win over Quebecat the 2017 Tim Horton's Brier at Mile One Centre in St. John's.

Gushue, who led the evening match following a three-point fourthend, cemented the win with a steal of two points in the ninth.

"Hopefully we can have another day like we had today," Gushue said following the match. "I thought we came back after an emotional, intense game last night. And I thought we had a great day."

Gushue has now won three straight since a disappointing loss on Tuesday to Team Northwest Territories, that left many of his supporters stunned and worried the team could fizzle out.

On Tuesday night, Team N.L. droppedBrad Jacobs of Northern Ontario7-5, and St. John's fans breathed a sigh of relief that the local favouritescould still have a chance in the playoffs.

Newfoundland and Labrador is now standing at 6-2 in the tournament, tied for second place with Team Canada.

Only the top four teams make the playoffs.

"We're not looking ahead," Gushue said Wednesday night.

"We still got three games left. Wegot to win a couple of those just toget to the playoffs, so we can't look too far ahead."

His rink curled 87 per cent throughout the Wednesday night game, topping the Quebec team who curledat 78 per cent.

Newfoundland and Labrador needed an extra end to dispatch British Columbia earlier in the day.

Team N.L. led in early ends, but Team BC tied things up in the 10th, with officials called in to measure two inside stones at one point,ruling in favour of BC.

Gushue made a hit in the extra end to win the early match.

An Olympic gold medalist, winning the Brier has so far eludedGushue despite this year being his14thappearance at the tournament.

After Wednesday's matches the playoff picture is much clearer, and Team N.L. is hoping it will clinch a playoff spot and keep its dreams of a Brier tankard alive.

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