Matt Fawcett scored from his backside in the crease, but it was the lone offence for the Kings on a frustrating night in Cowichan, dropping a 3-1 decision to the Capitals on Friday night.
The first period saw the Kings come out strong and open up an early advantage in shots. Goaltender Hayden Missler, making his 3rd start for the Kings and 2nd against the Capitals was more active retrieving pucks from behind the net than he was stopping Cowichan shots. However it was the Caps to break the deadlock on their first powerplay with Niko Esposito-Selivanov scoring to make it 1-0, a score that held through 20 with the Kings outshooting Cowichan 13-7.
More special teams chances in the second period with the Kings powerplay getting a few looks but not enough sustained pressure in the offensive zone as the breakout struggled to establish itself against the Capitals defence. The game looked destined to remain 1-0 until the final minute of the period when the Kings pushed all five up the ice, but turned the puck over to Adam Conquest who went in on a partial breakaway and converted for his 3rd of the season and a 2-0 advantage.
The Kings pushed into the third for a goal on the scoreboard and were finally rewarded on a messy but determined play from Matt Fawcett. A centering feed from Christian Buono hit a falling Fawcett at the top of the crease, then from a seated position he was able to push a loose puck home for his 4th of the season and a 2-1 score. The Kings searched for an equalizer, but a boarding penalty 1:59 from time snuffed the chance for an extra attacker goal, with Cowichan scoring into the empty net for a 3-1 win and tying the season series at a game apiece.
Hayden Missler took the loss in net, stopping 27/29 Cowichan shots.
Three Stars of the Game
- Blake Wood (Cowichan) – 37 saves, 1st win
- Adam Conquest (Cowichan) – 1 goal, 1 assist
- Niko Esposito-Selivanov (Cowichan) – 1 goal, 1 assist
The Kings continue their weekend road trip in Victoria on Saturday night, a 7:00pm start from the Q Centre.
