A two-game weekend series at home for Powell River Kings against Victoria Grizzlies resulted in a split decision. It left the teams in the same spots in BC Hockey League Island Division standings: tied for first, each with 33 points.
Kings lost 5-2 on Friday and won 5-2 on Saturday.
According to Kings head coach Kent Lewis, the early stages of Friday’s game cost the Kings a chance at a four-point weekend.
“We gave up just under 50 shots on Friday,” said Lewis. “We just have to be ready to play the full 60 and I thought Saturday night we improved. We came out with a full start and carried it through most of the game to a very needed win. Certainly to drop two on the weekend would have been awful.”
In Friday’s loss, the Grizzlies scored three of their five goals in the first 7:17 minutes of the game. Giving up power play and shorthanded goals were especially costly for the Kings.
“Our special teams on Friday were not good and that’s going to cost you a game when you’re playing a good opponent,” said Lewis. “We tend to get a little fancy on the power play.”
During the Friday game, Lewis said the team was fortunate that forward Carter Turnbull escaped serious injury.
“We were very fortunate with Carter not to have a serious injury,” said Lewis. “He was hauled down on a penalty and caught a skate blade around the wrist.”
It was the Kings’ turn to start fast on Saturday, scoring three goals in the first period en route to the win.
Kings forwards Cam Donaldson, Jonny Evans and Tristan Mullin remain in the top 10 in the league scoring race.
Goaltender Brian Wilson is among the top five netminders with a 2.65 goals against average.
