The Powell River Kings used timely scoring to help solidify their stranglehold on the Island Division Final series against the Victoria Grizzlies, defeating Victoria 3-2 on Saturday night in game 2 to take a 2-0 series lead.
A better first period from the Kings in game 2, compared to a sluggish start in game 1. Powell River came out the better team and looking every bit the team who comfortably won on Friday evening. The comfort didn’t last long as Victoria found their way into the game midway through however for the second straight night it was the Kings to score first. 24 seconds from the end of the period the Kings broke down the ice with Carmine Buono feeding to the left wing for Ben Berard, who then centred across the line for Hunter Findlater to wire home his 1st of the playoffs and a 1-0 lead through 20. Shots 12-11 Victoria.
The second period saw Powell River off to the dream start as Kyle Kawamura latched onto a rebound in the high slot for his 1st in the post season and a 2-0 lead. Midway through the Kings would stymie a break out of the box for Matt Doran, then Andy Stevens and Carter Turnbull combined to spring Josh Coblenz on a break the other way, he converted and it was 3-0 Powell River for the second straight night.
Late in the 2nd the Grizzlies got a weird one with the puck pinballing off several legs and sticks and floating past Matteo Paler-Chow, a 3-1 Kings lead through 40. Shots 16-14 in the period, 28-25 through 40 in favour of the Grizzlies.
A Victoria push came on strong in the third but the Kings were able to hold strong. The Grizzlies lone powerplay opportunity came in the frame and despite some good chances, the Kings through Matteo Paler-Chow kept the puck out. Only a break down in front of the goal allowed Victoria back into the game as Cam Thompson buried in tight for his 5th of the playoffs and a 3-2 score. One final rush through Alex Newhook was squashed by Buono as time expired as the Kings held on for a 3-2 win and earning a 2-0 series lead in the process.
Matteo Paler-Chow earned first star honours for the second straight game, stopping 39 in the victory and improves his record to 5-1 in the playoffs.
Here’s our Facebook Live postgame show with Brock Sawyer:
Three Stars of the Game
1. Matteo Paler-Chow (Kings) – 39 saves
2. Kyle Kawamura (Kings) – 1 goal
3. Cam Thompson (Grizzlies) – 1 goal, 1 assist
The Kings return home to Powell River as the series shifts to the Sunshine Coast for games 3 and 4 at the Hap Parker Arena, both 7:00pm starts. Tickets are available through http://tickets.powellriverkings.com
