Cowichan Valley Capitals dominated the shot clock on March 2 at Hap Parker Arena, but Powell River Kings finished ahead in the most important statistical category: the scoreboard.
Cowichan was looking for a third win in five days over the Kings after posting a pair of wins at home on February 26 and 27 to move into the eighth and final playoff spot in BC Hockey League (BCHL) Coastal Conference standings.
Powell River had other ideas. Goaltender Zak Brice was perfect for the home team, stopping all 49 shots he faced en route to the win and being named the game’s first star. McCoy Bidewell made 25 saves for the Capitals.
Kaleb Nelson opened the scoring late in the second period with his sixth goal of the season. Anthony Lucarelli added insurance at 6:53 of the third period; his 11th of the campaign was set up by Caleb Parkhouse and Nic Porchetta.
Casey Aman and Nathan Small assisted on the first goal. Attendance was 516.
Powell River, Cowichan and Coquitlam Express are vying for the final two playoff spots in the conference. Kings and Capitals are now tied for eighth with 33 points each in 47 games. The Express are three points ahead in seventh with two games in hand, and 10 points behind sixth place Surrey.
Powell River will not face Cowichan again this season, but Coquitlam visits Hap Parker Arena for games on March 12 and 13.
Kings host Victoria Grizzlies (fifth place) for a pair of games this weekend. Both games (March 4 and 5) start at 7 pm.
