Kings got off to a better start on Wednesday and went on to win game two of the best of seven series against Nanaimo 3-1.
The line of Dorantes, Coleshaw and Scarfo struck early in the opening period when Coleshaw took a hit on the boards but shovelled the puck out to Scarfo who wired a hard low shot at 1:14.
Nanaimo outshot the Kings 14-10 in the first period but most of the shots were from the outside and easily handled by Jeff Smith.
In the second Kings started out strong with a nice two on one, Keats to Luko pass that just missed and then Dorantes nailing the post on another chance.
The powerplay finally clicked probably exactly as it's drawn up on the board.
Simply win the faceoff, Rideout to Arcuri to Luko to Keats and it's in on the one-timer. On that crisp powerplay effort at 8:13 Kings led 2-0 but there was more to come in the period.
Just over a minute later the third goal was scored by the third line when Jarryd Leung circled the net, faked a short-side wraparound and then patiently waited to tuck the puck high over Jason Argue.
His goal, scored at 9:32, put the Kings firmly in control of the game and they went on to outshoot the Clips 16-6 in a very good period.
In the third Luko took exception to a hit to his head (third in the game) and, in frustration, swung his stick at his attacker.
A bit of a scuffle ensued with Leclerc and Brosseau ending up being the main event.
They each received fighting majors while Luko was assessed a five for a blow to the the head and game misconduct.
King's penalty killers really picked it up after that and on the strong goaltending of Smith held the Clippers off the board.
Nanaimo did get on the board at 15:33 when a point shot was tipped by Sandler who was parked right in front of Smith.
After that, Kings dug in and virtually shut down the Clippers even hemming them in for the last minute as Argue was forced to stay in his net until the final buzzer.
Jeff Smith had a relatively easy game but looked very confident in his 26 save victory.
"I was a little nervous in yesterday's game," he admitted, "but I got over that in the first period and thought I played solid in the second and third."
"I thought I played well tonight and the team played well tonight and it's easier to play with a three goal lead."
"It's nice when the guys put the puck in the net too."
Of the trip to Nanaimo for the next two games he said, "we can't take our foot off at all so we've got to go into their barn and get a big win."
"They are going to come out hard and the next game is going to be the biggest one of the year for both teams so it should be a good one."
Armitage Mens Wear Three Stars:
1. Jeff Smith
2. Luke Nogard
3. Kurt Keats
