Neal Samanski returned to the lineup in the best way possible, scoring a pair of goals including the game winner on the powerplay in a 3-1 defeat of the Nanaimo Clippers on Monday night, helping the Kings to a 2-1 series lead.
As has become a norm this series, both teams engaged in a chippy and spirited game to open the first period. Like game 2 in Powell River, it would be the Clippers to draw first blood on a soft goal as Gunnar Wegleitner shot low to Adamyk’s glove, with it coming off the wrist roll and dribbling over the goal line for a 1-0 Nanaimo lead. However also like Saturday, Powell River was able to respond quickly. Less than 3 minutes later the Kings went to the powerplay on a blow to the head penalty and converted as Samanski shot upstairs from in tight to open his account in the playoffs, returning to the lineup after serving a 6-game suspension.
Into the 2nd and the lone powerplay helped Powell River out to a 2-1 lead as Tyler Williams was sent to the box for a holding call and the Kings made Nanaimo pay. Ryan Pouliot got a shot away from the left point that Jordan Naylor was able to save, but left a puck in front of the goal for Samanski to poke home for his 2nd of the game. Less than three minutes later, the Kings would get a greasy one around the net with Ethan Martini driving down low, creating a chance for Levi Glasman to eventually find the back of the net and a 3-1 lead.
The third period saw the game boil over at points, highlighted by a heavyweight tilt between Ryan Pouliot and Marcus Mitchell, stemming from Mitchell’s hit on Ben Wozney in game 1 at the Hap Parker Arena. Ryan Brushett also connected with Aidan Hansen-Bukata on a penalty that was assessed as a match penalty and a five minute major. However by that point, the Kings would be able to run out the clock and cruise to a 3-1 victory and a 2-1 series lead.
Mitch Adamyk earns his 2nd BCHL playoff win, stopping 20/21 Nanaimo shots.
Here’s what Brock Sawyer had to say in the post game show:
The Kings and Clippers play game 4 in Nanaimo on Tuesday night, before heading back to Powell River on Thursday for game 5 at the Hap Parker Arena, a 7:00pm start. Tickets are available at the Kings office from 10am every day, or online through http://tickets.powellriverkings.com/