Kevin Massy’s howitzer at 1:41 of double overtime gave the Victoria Grizzlies a critical 4-3 win over the Nanaimo Clippers on Friday night, earning his team second place in the Island Division of the B.C. Hockey League and home ice advantage in the opening round of the playoffs.
The Grizzlies will begin their best-of-seven series at home on Tuesday with Game 2 on Wednesday at The Q Centre, before venturing to Powell River for Games 3 and 4.
The Grizzlies wrap up the regular season tonight at 7 at home against Nanaimo after an electrifying win.
“Taking it to the last day would have been a bit stressful,” said elated Grizzlies general manager and head coach Craig Didmon immediately following the win.
“Now we’re locked into second place and can move forward.”
Up 2-0 after one period, but trailing 3-2 late in the game, Meirs Moore tied it up for the visiting Grizzlies with just over a minute remaining in the third period at a packed Frank Crane Arena. Nicholas Gushue actually carried the puck into his own net on the tally, crushing the spirits of the home crowd.
Massy then wired a slapper to earn the much needed second point of the game after the Kings had defeated the Alberni Valley Bulldogs 8-2 to move to within a point of Victoria. The two points were critical as Powell River did have the head-to-head tiebreaker over Victoria had the teams finish tied for second.
It was the sixth straight win for the Grizzlies, who have suddenly found their game despite being without Matt Kennedy and Garrett Forster due to injuries. Forster is expected back for the post-season, but Kennedy will miss at least one round.
“What I’m most proud of is the fact that we’ve now beaten every team within the division [over the win streak] which gives us confidence going into the playoffs,” said Didmon, who received another solid performance from goalie Mike Stiliadis.
Jay Mackie and Dane Gibson (on a penalty shot) had provided the Grizzlies with a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes before Sheldon Rempal, with a pair, and Brett Roulston scored for Nanaimo, which clinched first place long ago.
It’s possible that the Grizzlies dress some affiliated players tonight to rest up for Tuesday and the same likely goes for the Clippers.
Tonight is also fan appreciation night for the Grizzlies.
“We’d like to come up with a good win for the fans who have been there for us and supported us all along, no matter what,” Grizzlies captain Shawn McBride said before hand. McBride had an assist on Friday’s game-winner.
There will be a number of prizes up for grabs and a silent auction to mark the final regular-season home game for the Grizzlies, who are expected to put playoff tickets on sale on Monday They will make an official announcement tonight.
mannicchiarico@timescolonist.com
