The Powell River Kings are Island Division Champions and will raise a banner at the Hap Parker Arena for the first time since 2012 as the Kings defeated the Victoria Grizzlies in overtime in game 5 on Friday night, winning the best of seven series 4-1.
A great start for the Kings who came out of the gate firing and getting chances on the Victoria net. Powell River got out to a big advantage in shots on goal but had little to show for it. The turning point of the period was at the mid-period time out when the Kings adjusted their shooting strategy on Kurtis Chapman from trying to pick high corners, and shooting low for rebounds. That tactic paid dividends as the Kings got more scoring chances and broke the deadlock through Hunter Findlater’s 4th of the playoffs and a 1-0 lead through 20 coming late in the first period. Shots 16-8 Kings.
Into the second and the Grizzlies found themselves back into the game and on the scoreboard with two big goals. First, Ethan Nother tied the game at 1 with an early goal, then midway in the period the Grizzlies finally cashed in on the powerplay, the first such goal for either team in the series and it was 2-1. It stayed that way heading into the third where the Kings scored a pair just 40 seconds apart. First, Carter Turnbull skating down the right side, then toe dragging on Carter Berger, undressing the defenceman for his 6th of the playoffs.
Right after, Ben Berard cashed in for his team-leading 7th of the post season and it was 3-2 Powell River with just over 12 minutes to play. The Kings continued to hold the lead until a tough break for Ben Raffler who fanned on a clearing attempt and created the opportunity for TJ Friedmann to walk in on a loose puck and beat Paler-Chow for his 3rd of the playoffs and a tie game.
Regulation ended and the game stayed tied at 3. Kings outshooting Victoria 43-35 in regulation and overtime was needed for the first time this season.
The Kings controlled much of overtime, outshooting Victoria 11-3 through the session. The game winner coming off a faceoff win and a battle below the net. Carter Turnbull teed up Ben Berard between the circles for his 8th of the playoffs, an OT game and series winner. The goal won the series 4-1 for the Kings and eliminated the Victoria Grizzlies from the playoffs. Matteo Paler-Chow stopped 35 Victoria shots for his 7th win of the playoffs and 2nd series victory.
Here’s what Brock Sawyer had to say in the post game show:
Three Stars of the Game
1. Ben Berard (Kings) – 2 goals, 1 assist, OT game/series winning goal
2. Ethan Nother (Grizzlies) – 2 goals
3. Carmine Buono (Kings) – 2 assists
The Kings advance to the third round of the playoffs for the first time since 2012 and will face the winner of the Surrey Eagles/Prince George Spruce Kings series, beginning Friday March 30th. The Eagles lead the series 3-2 and should they win, the Kings would host Surrey at the Hap for game 1. However if Prince George advance, the Kings would start in Prince George. Game 6 is Saturday night in Surrey, with game 7 in Prince George on Sunday if needed.
