Clippers defeat the visiting Alberni Valley Bulldogs 5-2

By Malcom Cooke

The Nanaimo Clippers stormed back from an early deficit with a dominant second half, scoring four times in the third period to defeat the Alberni Valley Bulldogs 5-2 in a hard-fought battle. Two goals from Luke Lavery, a two-point night for Patrick Fortune and a 33-save performance from Vladimir Nikitin led the Clippers to their 22nd win of the season.

The Bulldogs opened the scoring just minutes into the first period, capitalizing on a net-front scramble to take a 1-0 lead. Nanaimo almost responded when Jack Rimmer broke into the offensive zone and fired a shot that beat the goaltender but rang off the post. Tensions boiled over shortly after when Anthony Biakabutuka and Hudson Clossen dropped their gloves in the Clippers' zone, exchanging heavy punches in a spirited tilt.

Nanaimo had a prime opportunity to even the score midway through the frame on a two-on-one rush but couldn't find the back of the net. The Clippers thought they had equalized late in the period when Rimmer appeared to score, but after review, it was determined the puck never crossed the goal line. Alberni Valley controlled the pace in the opening 20 minutes, outshooting Nanaimo 20-9 and taking a 1-0 lead into the intermission.

The Clippers came out strong in the second period and were rewarded with their first power play of the game. Luke Lavery came close to tying the contest, but his shot beat the Bulldogs’ goaltender only to ring off the crossbar and out of play. However, a minute into the man advantage, Clippers netminder Vladimir Nikitin sparked the rush with a stretch pass to Cole Lonsdale, who set up Lavery for the equalizer, knotting the game at 1-1.

The physical play continued, with coincidental minors leading to four-on-four action. Nanaimo had another power-play opportunity midway through the period but couldn't capitalize. The Clippers dictated play throughout the frame, outshooting Alberni Valley 14-4, as the teams entered the third period locked in a 1-1 battle.

Nanaimo faced its first penalty kill early in the third but successfully kept the Bulldogs off the scoresheet. Moments later, Will Subject was hauled down while attempting to exit the defensive zone, earning the Clippers their third power play of the night. They appeared to take the lead in a chaotic scramble in front of the Bulldogs’ net, and after a video review, the goal was awarded to Tanner Bruender. Less than three minutes later, Patrick Fortune extended Nanaimo’s lead with a well-placed shot to make it 3-1. \

The Clippers continued to pour on the pressure, and just over a minute later, Lavery netted his second of the night, giving Nanaimo a commanding 4-1 advantage. Alberni Valley got a late power play and managed to cut the deficit to 4-2, but any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Cole Lonsdale sealed the victory with an empty-net goal, securing the 5-2 win for the Clippers.

The three stars of the game were awarded to Vladimir Nikitin, Luke Lavery, and Patrick Fortune, respectively. FortisBC Energy Player of the Game was given to Anthony Biakabutuka.

The Clippers head to Victoria on Saturday for a pivotal matchup with the Grizzlies. The following Friday and Saturday, see them on a two-game road trip to play the Trail Smoke Eaters and West Kelowna Warriors.

They will return home to The Frank on Friday, March 7, to face the Surrey Eagles. Tickets can be purchased at the Frank Crane box office on game day or at tickets.nanaimoclippers.com.