The Kings fell behind by multiple goals for the 3rd straight game, and despite a 2nd period rally the Kings fell 3-2 to the Nanaimo Clippers on Saturday night in Nanaimo.
- 1st period and the Kings came out ok from the gate, with the game having a distinct playoff feel. The big question was what type of game we would get…a playoff like atmosphere, or a game more closely reflecting the weekend where emotions ran high. It was the former, as with a few minor exceptions, emotions were kept in check and between the whistles.
- Two 1st period goals in a pair of back to back breakdowns and the Clippers scoring just over 20 seconds apart. Certainly through the 1st period the Kings gave away a lot of pucks, weren’t crisp in their own zone and allowed Nanaimo to rack up a 15-9 shots advantage through 20.
- Scary moment in the 1st with Jeff Smith skating to the bench as the Kings drew a powerplay and pulling himself from the game with a lower body injury. After a brief chat, Smith limped down the tunnel and into the room with 2:20 left in the first period and did not return to action, rather sitting uncomfortably on the bench for the remainder of the game.
- Into the 2nd and much better from Powell River as they used some special teams time to build momentum. Doing the right things led to Carter Turnbull and then Chris Protopoulos both score and change the complexity of the game. The Protopoulos goal was huge historically as the Kings are winless when trailing after 40 this season, while having a 5-0-0-1 record when tied through 40.
- 3rd period and another scary moment with Kyle Betts drilled hard on a shorthanded rush, colliding hard into the boards. He’s day to day with an upper body injury as a result of the hit.
- The lone goal was a pick and roll for Sheldon Rempal off a faceoff, a set play the Clippers have tried to execute without much success over the last 3 games against the Kings.
- A mad push for an equalizer in the 3rd period saw the Kings not only pull Stefan Wornig, but also put out 6 forwards on the ice in an effort to find something but all to no avail.
- A rough night overall and a busy one for the Kings trainers. Jake Kohlhauser required some running repairs after a high stick, which drew a 4-minute double minor. Then the aforementioned Smith and Betts issues. Nick Halagian also took a bit of a beating through the game.
- Stefan Wornig gets the loss, but deserves better. Came in cold and his first shot was stopping Matt Hoover point blank. He kicks out 21 of 22 in relief and was very very good. He dealt with some Clipper contact in his crease and stood tall.
Here’s what Brock Sawyer had to say after the game.
Three Stars of the Game
- Sheldon Rempal (Clippers) – 2 goals
- Matt Hoover (Clippers) – 2 assists
- Tristan Mullin (Kings)
The Kings complete their 3-in-3 road trip on Sunday afternoon against the Bulldogs, a 2:00pm start.
