If you were searching for a sign that the Kings had turned the corner, that they had put their struggles behind them, then tonight was your night. An emphatic 5-0 win over a talented Westside Warriors side has put the Kings back on the map in the Coastal Conference.
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Evan Richardson got the scoring going in the 1st period, faking near side and eventually wrapping around the back of the net and stuffing it in past Steven Racine for a 1-0 lead on the powerplay. That was all the scoring until 2:54 into the 2nd period where Dan Schuler, being aggressive on the forecheck, forced a turnover to Craig Dalrymple at the point where he blasted a shot through Racine to make it 2-0. The goal was Dalrymple’s 3rd of the season, all scored on special teams (two PP, 1 SH).
Into the 3rd now and the Kings offence explodes. At 4:43, Steve Schmidt, on the powerplay, found a loose puck on the doorstep and roofed a shot from in close after a Jon Jutzi shot from the point, 3-0 Kings. Just over two minutes later, Dalrymple made it 4-0 again on the man advantage, firing a slapshot through a crowd and into the net. Then on another 5-on-4 powerplay, the Warriors elected to make it a 5-on-3 and put a forward on the opposing blue line for a breakaway chance, but Teagan Waugh made them pay, firing a shot from near the side of the net to make it 5-0.
A late Warriors goal was called off for goaltender interference, as Sean Maguire was crashed into the net, so the shutout preserved, his 2nd of the season and 2nd straight at home, backstops the Kings to a big confidence win.
Three Stars of the Game
1st Star: Sean Maguire (25 saves, 2nd shutout of the season)
2nd Star: Craig Dalrymple (2 goals)
3rd Star: Evan Richardson (1 goal, 1 assist)
Next action for the Kings is tomorrow night against the Trail Smoke Eaters, 7:30pm puck drop at the Hap. You can catch the game live on 95.7 SunFM beginning at 7:15 with Andy and myself.
