Game: Victoria Grizzlies vs Powell River Kings
Arena: The Q Centre
Puck Drop: 7:00pm
Broadcast: Starts at 6:40pm
95.7 Coast FM in Powell River
Kings Broadcast Network
FastHockey PPV Video
Kings Record: 22-14-0-2 (2nd Island)
Opposition Record: 14-20-0-4 (4th Island)
The Kings have won their last 4 games, all after the Christmas break with double header wins against Alberni Valley and Nanaimo. The Kings have outscored their opposition in those games 18-6.
Tonight’s matchup is the first for Victoria after the Christmas holiday, a 20-day break in the action. Victoria split into the break as well, defeating Alberni 7-0, then falling to Nanaimo 3-2 to round out their first half of the season.
- Following four games at home to start the unofficial 2nd half of the season, the Kings begin a 6-game road swing that’ll see them compete in back to back 3-in-3’s. This one is all on Vancouver Island and sees the team in Victoria tonight, Nanaimo Saturday and Alberni Sunday.
- Given the recent history, Saturday against Nanaimo is probably the “key” game of the weekend, but there is certainly a feeling of a lacking effort and unfinished business in the 5 games so far against Victoria. The Kings are 1-4 against the Grizzlies this year and with few exceptions have been left disappointed not at the result (which goes without saying), but at the way the Kings got there and the goals they gave up to Victoria.
- The Kings have been outscored 18-11 in the 5 games against the Grizzlies so far. In the 4 losses, that goes to 17-6 in favour of Victoria. This will be the 3rd visit to Victoria this season, the Kings have been outscored here 8-3.
- Unlike Nanaimo this past weekend, don’t expect a parade to the penalty box despite the history between these two teams in recent years and the playoffs. Both the Kings (13th) and Grizzlies (15th) are two of the least penalised teams in the BCHL.
- Even on the man advantage, both powerplay units will see very good penalty kills as the Kings (5th) will go up against the Grizzlies 17th-ranked powerplay. On other side of the puck, the Grizzlies 3rd-ranked kill will be a challenge for the Kings 12th-ranked powerplay.
- Looking at the game on face value, a quick start will be more than crucial for Powell River today. The Grizzlies haven’t played in 3 weeks, and while I imagine the team was bought back from the holiday break over the weekend or early this week, there’s nothing like game action to get the legs back underneath you.
- First periods seems to be somewhat of a specialty for the Kings this season. They’ve outscored opposition 41-26 in the opening frame this season, while Victoria have scored only 28 in the opening 20. The first goal is something that the Kings have gotten more often than not…23 times out of 38 games. The Grizzlies meanwhile have held the first lead just 16 times in their 38 games.
- Despite a few sniffles through the team which is typical this time of year the Kings are pretty healthy. Colton Sandberg remains out with an upper body injury, while the Kings will make a game time decision on one or two players.
- Expect Jeff Smith tonight in goal.
The broadcast goes live on 95.7 Coast FM in Powell River at 6:40pm. It will also be online on the Kings Broadcast Network and FastHockey PPV. In the 1st intermission, we’ll have chats with BCHL Player of the Week Rylan Ball, Curtis McCarrick and Jack Long. In the 2nd break, we’ll talk with alumni defenceman and senior at Minnesota State-Mankato Jon Jutzi. Brock Sawyer will join us after 60 in the post-game show.
