The Yukon started the 2015 Tim Hortons Brier with a bang, but a subsequent loss will have them scoreboard-watching this afternoon.

Bob Smallwood’s rink hammered Adam Casey’s Prince Edward Island squad 8-1 last night to open play in the three-team pre-qualification round at the Saddledome in Calgary, Alta.

But the 41-year-old Whitehorse skip couldn’t rekindle the magic he showed against P.E.I. against Nova Scotia’s Glen MacLeod this morning, losing 9-5.

With the game tied 5-5 after five ends, Smallwood didn’t score again while giving up four points via steals.

Nova Scotia will face P.E.I. in the final round robin game this afternoon.

Smallwood, along with teammates Wade Scoffin, alternate Scott Odian playing for Steve Fecteau, and Clint Ireland, could not capitalize.

“We tried too hard,” Smallwood said. “Didn’t play the game we wanted to and ended up getting caught. It’s out of our hands now because I messed up on the draw to the button for the last stone draw. If it comes down to a three-way tie, we’re probably out.”

If P.E.I. beats Nova Scotia today, the top two teams will be determined by results of pre-game draws to the button. In that scenario, a poor draw by the Yukon prior to their game against Nova Scotia could spell the end of the territory’s Brier run.

Last night, Smallwood and company were lights out against Casey and his fatigued P.E.I. rink.

The Yukon jumped out to a 4-0 lead after two ends, and went on to score singles in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh ends before handshakes.

“It relieves a little bit of pressure, getting that first win,” Smallwood said.

Casey’s teammates didn’t arrive in Calgary until yesterday due to flight problems out of P.E.I.

“I came out and struggled a bit, so I’ll take the blame,” said Casey, who played for Newfoundland skip Brad Gushue the past three seasons.

The top two teams after the pre-qualification round robin will square off one last time in a play-in game Saturday, with the winner earning the final berth in the 12-team draw.

With files by Curling Canada