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Samanski Pair Guides Kings Past Clippers

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:

Join Kings assistant coach Brock Sawyer and Alex Rawnsley for tonight's Facebook Live post game show in Nanaimo after game 3.

Posted by Powell River Kings on Monday, March 4, 2019

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/