So far, the playoffs have showcased playoff-style hockey.
The Nanaimo Clippers and the Victoria Grizzlies have played two low-scoring, evenly played contests and are all even to start their first-round best-of-seven series. The teams split the first two games of the B.C. Hockey League post-season at Victoria’s Q Centre this past weekend.
The Grizzlies were 1-0 winners in Friday’s opener, but the Clippers reversed that with a 3-0 shutout in Game 2 on Saturday.
“Nanaimo’s a tough team to play against and they’re really working hard to shut down our offensive guys and so far they’ve had success,” said Craig Didmon, Victoria coach.
On Saturday, Tristan Crozier, Matt Creamer and Jamie Collins scored for Nanaimo and Evan DeBrouwer earned the shutout as shots were 32-20 in favour of the home team.
The night before, Shawn O’Malley scored the only goal of the game and Matthew Galajda earned the shutout as shots were 28-24 for the Grizzlies.
Special teams have been a factor in the series. In Game 1, the Grizzlies had six power plays to the Clippers’ one, and in Game 2, the Grizz again had six power plays, failing to convert, while the Clips went two-for-four with the man advantage.
“It’s one of those things, [power plays] can win or lose a series for you so we’ve got to figure that out pretty quick,” Didmon said.
In the BCHL’s other Island Division series, the Powell River Kings lead the Cowichan Valley Capitals two games to one after victories of 4-2 and 4-3 over the weekend.
For more BCHL playoff coverage, please bookmark www.bclocalnews.com/sports.
GAME ON … The Clippers and Grizzlies play Game 3 on Tuesday (March 7) at 7 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena. Game 4 is Wednesday, also a 7 p.m. faceoff at Frank Crane. For tickets, please call 250-751-0593 or visit www.nanaimoclippers.com.
- files from Joel Tansey/Black Press