The Kings bounced back from a disappointing game 1, were perfect on the penalty kill and upped the intensity in a 3-1 victory over the Victoria Grizzlies, splitting on the road and sending the series back to Powell River tied at 1.
Here is video of all three Kings goals:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQBALuoWO5M]
Some thoughts from the game:
- Tonight FELT like a playoff game. Both teams played harder, but it was the Kings who bought the bulk of it. Finishing hits, a very aggressive forecheck and just out working Victoria all night long was the key to the game. While we’re still to see our first fight, we saw harder hits from the Kings, and more after the whistle scrums. Again, not saying a playoff game SHOULD have fights, etc…you could tell the Kings cared about this game, something that was missing last night.
- We said before the game that the Kings needed to do one of two things. Either play disciplined and not take penalties, or learn how to kill them. Victoria’s powerplay has been clicking over 30% against the Kings this year, including 2/5 on Friday, however tonight the Kings were a perfect 8/8 on the kill and that was a huge reason as to why the Kings won the game.
- To follow on the penalty kill, the Kings best killer was Jonah Imoo. He played a stellar game, making several key saves at key points of the game.
- Closely behind Imoo, Jordan Paddock and Jordan Benton both had excellent games. Paddock did nothing special, aside from the usual and countless blocked shots and clearances…in all, his usual stellar defensive game. Consider the fact he played with a broken nose and it’s all the more impressive. Secondly, Jordan Benton played perhaps his best game of the season, if not his best game as a King. The vision he displayed on the Richardson goal set the tone for him throughout the rest of the game.
- The Kings now get back home ice advantage. In a best-of-five series, the Kings now have 2 of the last 3 games at home, with a 1-1 split in the series, the Kings could find themselves in a position to advance on Tuesday night.
Here’s what Derek Bachynski had to say after the game:
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Three Stars of the Game:
- Jordan Benton (Kings) – 2 assists
- Luke Nogard (Kings) – 2 goals
- Jonah Imoo (Kings) – 23 saves
The Kings and Grizzlies head to Powell River, Monday evening at 7:00pm at the Hap Parker Arena.
