If the Victoria Grizzlies want to surpass the Powell River Kings in the race for top spot in the B.C. Hockey League’s Island Division, they’re going to have to solve the Kings’ lethal power play, or stay out of the penalty box.
Coming off a four power-play goal performance in last Saturday’s game between the same two teams at The Q Centre, Powell River scored three power-play goals — and two empty-netters — Friday night at Hap Parker Arena to beat the Grizzlies 5-2.
The victory moved the Kings (13-5-2-2) three points up on the Grizzlies (12-9-3-0) and the two teams will square off again today at 5 p.m. at Hap Parker Arena. The Nanaimo Clippers are also in the thick of the race in the Island Division. The Clippers lost 3-2 in overtime in Prince George on Friday to draw even with the Grizzlies at 27 points (12-9-2-1).
Ben Berard started the power-play onslaught six minutes into the first period, beating Shawn Parkinson in the Victoria net to give Powell River a 1-0 lead.
Back-to-back goals from Cam Thompson early in the second gave the Grizzlies a 2-1 lead. Thompson now has four goals in three games since returning from the injury list.
Gavin Rauser’s power-play goal with 32 seconds left in the second turned the tide for the Kings.
Kyle Kawamura added another power-play goal early in the third and Andy Stevens and Jonny Evans scored empty-net goals to ice it for the Kings.
Parkinson made 33 saves in the Grizzlies’ net, while Mitch Adamyk made 33 in the Kings’ goal.
LOOSE PUCKS: The Grizzlies were without injured defenceman Drayson Pears and forward Ryan Nolan, who served the first of his four-game suspension. . . . Following tonight’s game, the Grizzlies return home for three straight games beginning Friday night when the Nanaimo Clippers pay a visit to The Q Centre.
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