Clippers bounce back with 3-1 victory over the Capitals

#4 Charles Tardif and #3 NIck Sajevic celebrate Tardif's goal.

#35 Aidan Campbell makes a gloved save on a shot headed for the top of the goal..

By Malcom Cooke

The Nanaimo Clippers bounced back with a 3-1 win against the Cowichan Valley Capitals on Wednesday. The Clippers are back in the win column after Monday’s loss and retain first place in the Coastal Division with a 13-3 record. Aidan Campbell stopped 33 of 34 shots faced in the win. Goals came from Skylar Cameron, Charles Tardif, and Mike Murtagh

Hometown defenceman Skylar Cameron opened the scoring a minute and a half into the first period. After two earlier chances were turned aside by Capitals goalie McCoy Bidewell, Cameron popped a rebound for his second goal of the year. Cowichan Valley scored midway through the first period to tie the game at 1-1. Despite the Clippers outshooting the Capitals 17-6, the first period ended in a 1-1 tie. 

The second period started with Nanaimo getting a power-play after a scrum in the corner. With the advantage, Charles Tardif scored his fifth goal of the season to put the Clippers up 2-1. Just fifteen seconds later New York product, Mike Murtagh, scored his fifth of the season to push the Clippers' lead to 3-1. Jake Hewitt almost scored on a breakaway shortly after Murtagh, but the puck glanced off the crossbar. 

The third period was devoid of scoring as the Clippers locked in defensively. Giving up 19 shots in the third, but keeping the majority outside of high-danger areas. Cowichan Valley took a penalty midway through the third and promptly killed it off. Time expired in the game and the Clippers emerged victorious. Aidan Campbell earned third star for his 33 saves. Jake Hewitt assisted on two goals and took home second star. Charles Tardiff earned first star for his game-winning goal in the second period. Joel Plante earned FortisBC Energy Player of the Game for his play on a line with Tardif and Hewitt. 

The Nanaimo Clippers play again on Friday against division rival Alberni Valley Bulldogs. Tickets can be purchased at Nanaimoclippers.com or the Frank Crane box office on game day.

Players celebrate #22 Skyler Cameron's goal early in the first period.
#5 Grant Babcock, #35 Aidan Campbell and #10 Tyler Wishart react to a face-off.
#17 Joel Plante is stopped on a scoring opportunity.
#7 Kai Daniells lets fly a shot as he goes to one knee.
#4 Charles Tardif slaps Nanaimo's second goal under the Cowichan goalie.
#4 Charles Tardif celebrating his game winning goal and Nanaimo's second.
#35 Aidan Campbell smothers a loose puck in the goal crease.
#35 Aidan Campbell looks around players keeping an eye on the puck.

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