The offence fired once more as the Kings put up 8 or more goals for the third time in four games, and the Kings survived some defensive lapses to post a 9-7 win over the Cowichan Valley Capitals on Saturday night.
Here are some thoughts from the game:
For the second straight night, the Kings were incredibly impressive in the opening period. The differences between both offensive zones was startling when Mitch Williams finally broke the deadlock on the 20th shot of the game. The space around Matteo Paler-Chow was essentially zamboni-fresh, while the Capitals zone was end-of-bag-skate-rough. Shots ended 25-8 shots on goal but it was significantly more lopsided earlier on.
A variety of goals too with Williams getting a nice break by scoring off his upper shin, then Obssuth scoring with a nice quick shot in tight, before Hunter Findlater got a friendly bounce off a Caps player with an easy tap in to the side of the net. All three goals though came in close and around the net as the Kings went to those areas to score.
Second period was much different as the Caps scored inside the opening minute and became increasingly opportunistic. The Kings kept giving up chances either through missed passes, turnovers or failed outs. Certainly night and day from the first period and much of last night’s game too.
Ben Berard showed some nice hands finishing Josh Coblenz’s breakaway chance. To bat that out of mid air with a level stick and find the net is incredibly impressive.
Equally impressive is the Kings top line at the moment of Obssuth, Turnbull and Evans. All three lead the league in scoring through 4 games, however it’s the way they’ve got about it. The trio haven’t scored on the few 5-on-3’s that the Kings have had already this season, however they’re very creative and dominant on 5-on-4’s and even strength. What’s also impressive is how quick things happen. Pucks go from behind the net to in the net within a second.
Third period saw three occasions where the Kings probably thought they had the game won. Ethan Kimball scoring on the breakaway made it 7-5 but it wasn’t enough. Gavin Rauser scored an empty netter (although the goalie was still on the ice) to make it 8-6 with less than a minute to play and while that wound up being the game winner it nearly wasn’t enough. The game didn’t feel ‘over’ until Turnbull scored with a couple of seconds remaining.
The Kings start 3-1 through four games this season, a stark contrast from the 0-4 start last season. They’ve scored a league-leading 22 goals in that span while giving up just 12. Compare that to last season and the 6 goals the Kings scored in their first 4 games, while conceding 14.
Here’s our Facebook Live Postgame Show with Brock Sawyer
The Kings head home on Sunday and prepare for the BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack next weekend. The Kings face the Vernon Vipers at 1pm on Friday afternoon, then the Trail Smoke Eaters on Saturday morning at 10am. Both games are live on 95.7 Coast FM and HockeyTV.
