Powell River Kings held a late second period lead in game one of their BC Hockey League first round playoff series against Cowichan Valley Capitals in Duncan, but the home team rallied with five unanswered goals for a 6-3 win.
Dawson McKay opened the scoring at 12:01 of the first period, giving the Kings a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes.
After Cowichan tied the game at one early in the second period, Brett Roloson set up two Powell River goals, one by Reilly Moran and another off the stick of Ethan Schmunk to put the visitors up 3-1.
The home team cut the deficit to one three minutes prior to intermission and then took control of the game in the third period, scoring 17 seconds into the final frame and again at the 1:38 mark to take their first lead of the night at 4-3.
Kings pressed for the equalizer but the Capitals sealed the win with two late goals in a span of 53 seconds to take a 1-0 series lead.
Derek Krall made 34 saves for the Kings, who outshot the hosts 41-40.
Schmunk’s second period goal was the first of his BCHL career. Rowan Miller, Nolan Krogfoss and Jack Long recorded assists for Powell River.
Attendance at Cowichan Community Centre was 812.
The series resumes tonight in Duncan. Game three and four are scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, and Wednesday, March 4, at Hap Parker Arena in Powell River. All games start at 7 pm.
In the other BCHL Island Division opening round match-up, Nanaimo defeated Alberni 6-3 to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
