Powell River Kings face a steep, uphill battle after dropping the first three games in a best-of-seven second round BC Hockey League playoff series against Nanaimo Clippers. After losing games one and two in Nanaimo, Powell River fell 3-2 in overtime Monday, March 21. Results for game four, scheduled for Tuesday, March 22, were not available at press time.
Since Powell River was eliminated by Nanaimo in a classic, seven-game series last season, fans have wanted another chance to beat the Clippers and move further in the playoffs. Thanks to a first round victory over Cowichan Valley Capitals, and Nanaimo’s success against Alberni Valley, that wish came true.
The best-of-seven series began in Nanaimo on Friday, March 18, with the home team opening the scoring early at 3:54 to take a 1-0 lead. Clippers doubled the lead late in the second period and took the 2-0 advantage into the second intermission.
Kyle Betts scored his third of the playoffs early in the third period to pull the Kings within one, however, two late goals, including one into an empty net, sealed a 4-1 win for the Clippers. Kings goaltender Jeff Smith stopped 29 shots in the loss.
“It was a little disappointing, the job we did defensively in game one,” said Kings defenceman Jeremy LeClerc. “There was just a lack of intensity all around, but this was just one game and you have to take it day by day.”
Kings were aiming for a split on the road in game two Saturday, March 19, to claim home-ice-advantage in the series. Despite a better start, Clippers scored first again, and led 2-0 after the first period.
Powell River converted on a powerplay early in the second period; Rylan Ball scored the goal to make it 2-l. But, similar to game one, Powell River could not find another goal and Nanaimo restored the two-goal lead to make it 3-1.
Midway through the second period, Betts scored his second of the series, capping a passing play with Nick Halagian and Liam Lawson to again pull the Kings within a goal. Clippers leading scorer Sheldon Rempal notched his fourth of the playoffs off a faceoff win before his team added another empty-net goal for a a 5-2 win and a 2-0 series lead.
“We were the better team, we dominated much of the play and puck possession down low but it’s so frustrating to have these brain cramps of not picking up sticks or guys down low and it’s costing us,” said Kings assistant coach Brock Sawyer. “We have to build from the positives moving forward, we need to get a lot grittier to score, it’s a tough pill to swallow now but we’re not done yet.”
After an off day Sunday, the series resumed Monday at Hap Parker Arena. Powell River held a 3-1 home record against Nanaimo during the regular season, however the Clippers had not lost away from home since mid-January, a span of nine games.
A flat start for the Kings resulted in a 2-0 deficit for the third straight game, again within the opening 20 minutes.
The lone second period goal belonged to Betts, who blocked a shot while shorthanded and was able to skate in on a breakaway to score his third goal of the series, his fourth in as many games and his fifth of the playoffs.
Then, midway through the third period, Jonny Evans fired a puck from left of the goal line that pinballed past the Nanaimo goaltender for a 2-2 score that stood up through regulation time.
Late in the first overtime, Nanaimo scored the game winner after Powell River failed to clear the puck. Clippers defenceman Yanni Kaldis buried a rebound from the slot for a 3-2 win and a 3-0 series lead.
“Our third period was great, held them to nothing in the goal scoring area, same for overtime,” said Kings coach Kent Lewis. “We had our chances, Betts made a great drive to the net but he got taken out, because we’re apparently a diving club, which is the first time in 20 years my team has been accused of that.”
The reality of the situation is not lost on the Kings, who face a steep uphill battle to extend its season.
“We just have to battle back and play for another day” said Lewis. “It just comes down to one game, and if we can get a win, get on the bus and go over to the Island again for game five, I’m a firm believer that momentum is big.”
If necessary, game five will be played in Nanaimo on Thursday, March 25. Game six is scheduled Powell River on Friday, March 26, while game seven is set for Sunday, March 27, in Nanaimo.
