Grizzlies take back upper hand against Clippers

Score a goal. Check.

Score on the power play. Check.

Get a much-needed result. Check.

The Victoria Grizzlies crossed a trio of must-dos off their list on Tuesday night, winning Game 3 of their best-of-seven opening B.C. Hockey League playoff series 3-2 over the Nanaimo Clippers at Frank Crane Arena.

After being shut out 3-0 in Game 2 on Saturday and going 0-for-11 on man-advantage situations over the first two games, the Grizzlies came through early on both counts. Falling behind 1-0 on Sean Buchanan’s power-play goal just 4:57 in, Victoria struck back with a pair of power-play tallies of their own by Cole Pickup and Jamie Rome over a five-minute stretch of the opening frame.

Pickup’s goal snapped a run of 100 minutes and 48 seconds since the Grizzlies had beaten Clippers goalie Evan DeBrouwer — way back in the second period of a 1-0 Game 1 win.

Justin Michaelian’s even-strength goal, just 30 seconds into the third period, held up as the game-winner as Victoria takes a 2-1 series lead. Game 4 goes tonight in Nanaimo and Game 5 is Friday back at The Q Centre.

“The guys had faced some adversity for six periods and it seemed like today they really battled,” said Grizzlies general manager and head coach Craig Didmon. “They were a good, complete hockey club.

“We’re happy that the power play was able to find the twine and Matt Galajda made some big stops, too.”

The power play finally snapped to attention, but Victoria’s second-best penalty-killing unit in the regular season (at a healthy 83.8 per cent) is suddenly leaking oil, allowing four goals on 13 chances to the Clippers in the three games. Lucas Finner had the other Nanaimo goal, also on the man advantage.

Unlike the first two outings, the Grizzlies’ best players were their best players, something Didmon definitely desired, and the team continues to be undefeated in Nanaimo, winning all five times.

DeBrouwer made 33 saves for the Clippers while Galajda stopped 35 shots for Victoria.

The Grizzlies did lose defenceman Brett Stirling with seven seconds to play as he was tagged for a major penalty and game misconduct for a blow to the head that may warrant a league suspension.