Clippers defeat the Victoria Grizzlies 5-4 in Overtime

#15 Dylan Kinch scores the overtime-winning goal.

By Malcom Cooke

The Nanaimo Clippers battled through adversity to secure a thrilling 5-4 overtime victory against the Victoria Grizzlies. After falling behind early, Dylan Kinch’s late first-period power-play goal tied the game at 1-1. Victoria regained the lead in the second, but strong goaltending from Vladimir Nikitin kept the Clippers within reach. The third period saw a flurry of action, with Tanner Bruender scoring early to even the game before Victoria responded with back-to-back goals to go up 4-2. Chase Hull cut the deficit, and with under 90 seconds left, Makaio Van Tassel delivered the game-tying goal to send it to overtime. In the extra frame, Kinch played hero, burying the game-winner to complete the comeback and seal a dramatic 5-4 win for the Clippers.

The game began with a physical tone as Julian Brown delivered a thunderous hit on a Grizzlies skater, stopping Victoria’s attempt to enter the offensive zone. The Clippers played strong defensively, holding the Grizzlies without a shot for the first 10 minutes of play. However, Victoria capitalized on their first sustained pressure, opening the scoring. Brown continued to make his presence felt with big hits throughout the period. Late in the frame, the Clippers earned a power play and made it count. With just 42 seconds left, Dylan Kinch found the back of the net, tying the game at 1-1 heading into the intermission. Nanaimo outshot Victoria 12-10 through 20 minutes of play.

The second period saw both teams trading chances, each pressing for the go-ahead goal. Victoria managed to break the deadlock, regaining the lead despite the Clippers generating sustained pressure around the Grizzlies’ net. Nanaimo was awarded its second power play midway through the period, but the opportunity was short-lived as a penalty of their own nullified the advantage. Later in the frame, Cole Lonsdale was sent to the box after being pushed into the Victoria goaltender — a call that drew frustration from the Clippers’ bench. The penalty kill stood tall, and goaltender Vladimir Nikitin made a spectacular blocker save to keep Nanaimo within striking distance heading into the third. Victoria outshot Nanaimo 12-10 in the second period.

The Clippers wasted no time in the final frame, striking less than three minutes in. Makaio Van Tassel fired a puck on the net, and Tanner Bruender pounced on the rebound to even the score at 2-2. However, Victoria responded quickly, scoring on a knuckle puck that slipped through Vladimir Nikitin. Less than a minute later, the Grizzlies struck again, extending their lead to 4-2. Nanaimo pushed to generate offence but struggled to sustain pressure. Eventually, Chase Hull broke through, finding the back of the net to bring the Clippers within one. A late penalty against the Clippers put them at a disadvantage in a crucial moment, but the penalty kill came up big. With time winding down, Makaio Van Tassel delivered in the clutch, scoring his seventh of the season with under 90 seconds left to force overtime. Despite being outshot 21-10 in the period, the Clippers' resilience sent the game beyond regulation.

It took less than 20 seconds in Overtime for the Clippers to complete an epic comeback in front of the home crowd. Dylan Kinch took a pass from Nathan Larioza and streaked down the side wall before firing his 23rd goal of the season to seal the Clippers' victory.

The three stars of the game were awarded to Dylan Kinch, Makaio Van Tassel, and Luke Lavery respectively. FortisBC Energy Player of the Game was given to Vladimir Nikitin for his stellar 39-save performance.

The Clippers go on the road for two games before returning home to The Frank on Feb. 8th to face the Langley Rivermen, game time is 7 pm. Tickets can be purchased at the Frank Crane box office on game day or at tickets.nanaimoclippers.com.

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#9 Cole Lonsdale winning a face-off.
#15 Dylan Kinch celebrates scoring Nanaimo's 1st goal of the game.
#21 Callas Pierce rings one off of the post.
#31 Vladimir Nikitin with a blocker save.
#31 Vladimir Nikitin makes a split pad save.
#31 Vladimir Nikitin with a save late in the third period.
#31 Vladimir Nikitin makes a great stop in overtime.
#3 Nathan Larioza clears the puck from in front of #31 Vladimir Nikitin.
#15 Dylan Kinch celebrates scoring the overtime-winning goal.
Clippers' players celebrating the 5-4 overtime win.