After a big win at home against the newest franchise in British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), the Kings went downhill on the ensuing road trip.
On Thursday, October 15 the Kings countered the Wenatchee Wild’s high-octane offence with just enough goals to win 2-1 in double overtime, before losing 5-2 to Victoria on Friday, October 16, and 3-0 to Cowichan on Saturday, October 17.
All three opponents had their reasons to go after the injury-plagued Kings who, because of their winning record so far this season, are circled on most team calendars.
Wenatchee had an axe to grind after a 6-0 pounding at home last week against the Kings, and at the Hap Parker Arena the visiting team held a distinct advantage in play almost throughout the game.
Despite the energy, shots were just 4-2 midway through the first period for the visitors when the Kings cracked the scoresheet.
At 10:50, forward Tristan Mullin took the puck from deep in the corner and went right to the net where the rebound from his failed shot went to linemate Kyle Betts, who buried it.
Kings led 1-0 after the period but the Wild scored their first goal in over 86 minutes against goalie Jeff Smith when a seeing-eye point shot beat him high on his blocker side.
Tied 1-1 after regulation, the Wild outshot the Kings 31-18, but Smith was his usual spectacular self with flashy glove saves on forwards Brandon Puricelli and Kyle Stephan.
In the first overtime, Kings got a break on a weak penalty call behind the net, but couldn’t capitalize on the power play.
In the second, Carter Turnbull got a step on and was tripped up by his check at the Wild blue line and, while normally a minor penalty in regulation, was awarded a penalty shot in three-on-three overtime.
His attempt to open the Wild goalie’s legs and slip the puck through the five hole failed, but when play continued the Kings’ aggressive forecheck forced a turnover at the Wild blue line.
This time Mullin raced in and his shot won it 2-1.
“I felt the D-man was going to head-fake me there and try to go around me,” he said, “but a little poke check to turn it over and got the breakaway. I thought there was a guy catching me, so I got the shot off.”
Mullin wired a laser to the top corner glove side, which emptied the bench for a group hug.
“They came out hard,” admitted defenceman Rylan Ball, “and we expected that. It was a relief to see that last goal by Mullin, especially in overtime, which is stressful.”
Last year the Kings were second only to Victoria in overtime losses, but this year they have reversed the trend with two wins in two tries.
As excited as they were with the win, the Kings were disappointed in Victoria on Friday when they dropped a 5-2 decision to the BCHL cellar dwellers, Victoria Grizzlies.
They led 2-1 on goals from Gavin Rauser and Liam Lawson after 40 minutes, but gave up three goals in two minutes, and four total in the third period, to lose to the Grizzlies.
On to Cowichan the next night, the second-place Capitals jumped on the Kings with two first-period goals and another shorthanded in the second for a 3-0 shutout.
With several Kings players nursing injuries, a light schedule this week will help them back to health.
The only Kings game scheduled has the Penticton Vees visiting Hap Parker Arena at 7:15 pm on Friday, October 23.
