Victoria falls 3-0 in game two, series tied 1-1
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 4, 2017
By Jonathan Hodgson
The Victoria Grizzlies (Finished 37-12-5-4, 83 points, 1st in Island Division) and Nanaimo Clippers (Finished 23-28-6-1, 51 points, 4th in Island Division) played game two of their BCHL Fred Page Cup Playoff first round series on Saturday night at the Q Centre in Victoria.
After being shut out in game one, Nanaimo flipped the script in game two, blanking the Grizzlies by a final of 3-0 behind 32 saves from Evan DeBrouwer to split the first two games of the series in Victoria.
(Box Score– http://victoriagrizzlies.us8.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=05c356250a4761887fde8ecb9&id=463c85338f&e=1f9fa2e65b)
The best-of-seven BCHL Fred Page Cup Playoff first round series is now tied one game apiece.
(BCHL Playoff Bracket– http://victoriagrizzlies.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=05c356250a4761887fde8ecb9&id=98967d19b7&e=1f9fa2e65b)
Nanaimo struck early in the opening period for their first goal of the series. Tristan Crozier snapped home his first of the playoffs on the powerplay to put the Clippers ahead just over seven minutes into the game.
The game grew increasing physical throughout the period, and with five minutes remaining, Nanaimo’s Adam Pilotte was was sent off for a blow to the head and a 10-minute misconduct.
Nanaimo added to their lead just over twelve minutes into the second period when Matt Creamer tallied another powerplay goal for the Clippers, his first of the playoffs to put the visitors ahead, 2-0 going to the third period.
(BCHL Playoff Stats– http://victoriagrizzlies.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=05c356250a4761887fde8ecb9&id=8a4002fcd6&e=1f9fa2e65b)
The final frame was all about goaltender Evan DeBrouwer who helped Nanaimo stave off a third period push from the Grizzlies, including a late powerplay, making 27 saves in the final two periods.
Jamie Collins scored into an empty net in the final minute to ice the victory with a 3-0 final.
Matthew Galajda, who recorded a 28-save shutout in game one, made 27 stops on 29 shots for Victoria.
Nanaimo was 2-4 on the powerplay while the Grizzlies finished 0-6.
The series now shifts to Nanaimo for games three and four of the series on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Frank Crane Arena. The Grizzlies will host game five next Friday, March 10 at 7:00pm at the Q Centre.
