The Kings got a 2-goal lead, then needed overtime to beat the Grizzlies 3-2 on Saturday night.
Quick thoughts from the game:
- Really solid effort from all 18 skaters tonight. Whether an AP or regular roster player, everyone chipped in one place or another. With so many guys out, especially on the back end, there were a lot of question marks facing the Kings tonight, but everyone held their own. I thought MacLean and Wright were especially good on the blue line, while Dorantes and Hiff were typically good up front…but those are just 4 of 18 skaters who had a positive impact on this game.
- A moment of ‘heatedness’ from Luke Nogard may have overshadowed an otherwise pretty good game. He got ejected for a blow to the head midway in the 3rd, but before that he was crucial on the penalty kill, and made several good clearances and blocks. He also had a goal in the 2nd period, his 2nd in as many games.
- Jeff Smith was very very good tonight. Smith’s 45 saves from 47 shots was far and away his busiest night of the season, as the 33-save shutout against Alberni was his previous season high. It’s also the busiest night for a goaltender this season, as Imoo’s faced a max of 38 shots. Smith took away several in close chances and controlled rebounds so well. What he left behind was cleared away by the Kings D.
Chad van Diemen and Lucas Grayson joined me in the post-game show:
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Three Stars of the Game
- Jeff Smith (Kings) – 45 saves
- Luke Nogard (Kings) – 1 goal
- Jesse Schwartz (Grizzlies)
With the Kings win and a Penticton loss in overtime, the Kings have a 3-point lead at the top of the BCHL over Penticton, West Kelowna and Langley, with 1 game in hand over the Vees and Warriors, and 2 in hand over the Rivermen. West Kelowna plays Sunday, so they’ll give the Kings another game in hand, but have the opportunity to get within 1 point.
Goaltender Jeff Smith also sits top in the BCHL for goals against average (1.69), where he’s also the only goalie under 2.00. His .942 save percentage is also tops in the BCHL. His 7 wins is good enough for 3rd, however both goaltenders ahead of him have played in 17 games…Jeff just 7.
The Kings entertain Nanaimo for a double header next weekend at the Hap.
