Nanaimo shutout the Kings and win their 7th straight game

#31 Vladimir Nikitin with one of his saves in a 3-0 shutout.

By Malcom Cooke

The Clippers extended their win streak to seven with a 3-0 victory over the Kings on Friday night. Vladimir Nikitin earned his first BCHL shutout. Cole Lonsdale opened the scoring on a second-period power play, while Conner DeTurris added insurance late in the third period. Julien Brown sealed the win with an empty-netter, as Nanaimo controlled play and shut down Powell River’s offence, outshooting the Kings 49-18.

Goaltender Vladimir Nikitin came up big for the Clippers early, making key saves after a few costly defensive-zone turnovers. Midway through the period, the Clippers earned the game's first power play but couldn't capitalize. Both teams struggled to generate sustained offensive pressure, resulting in a scoreless opening frame. The Clippers held a slight edge in shots, outshooting the Kings 10-7 through 20 minutes.

The Clippers struck early in the second period on the power play, as Cole Lonsdale netted his 21st goal of the season to give Nanaimo a 1-0 lead. Midway through the frame, the Clippers were forced to kill off a penalty but did so without much difficulty. Offence remained hard to come by for both teams, despite the Clippers earning two more power-play opportunities in quick succession, neither of which resulted in a goal. Late in the period, Vladimir Nikitin came up big once again, making a desperation save to keep Powell River off the board. A late penalty to Nanaimo meant they would start the third period shorthanded. Through 40 minutes, the Clippers held a 1-0 lead and outshot the Kings 14-6 in the second, bringing the total to 24-13.

Luke Lavery nearly doubled Nanaimo’s lead early in the third after stepping out of the penalty box and breaking in alone, but Kings goaltender Ryan Tamelin shut the door. The Clippers kept the pressure on, generating chances around the Powell River net but struggling to solve Tamelin. Midway through the period, Dylan Kinch was hit from behind, sending Nanaimo to their fifth power-play opportunity of the night. While the Clippers couldn’t convert with the man advantage, they struck just as the penalty expired, with Conner DeTurris netting his 13th goal of the season to make it 2-0.

Julien Brown sealed the victory in the final minutes, scoring his first goal of the season into an empty net. Nikitin turned aside every shot he faced, backstopping the Clippers to a 3-0 shutout win. The Clippers generated a whopping 25 shots in the third to reach 49 total in the match.

The three stars of the game were awarded to Vladimir Nikitin, Ryan Tamelin, and Cole Lonsdale respectively. Julien Brown took home Fortis BC Energy Player of the Game.

The Clippers are back in action on Saturday night as they face the Prince George Spruce Kings, game time is 7 pm. Tickets can be purchased at the Frank Crane box office on game day or at tickets.nanaimoclippers.com.