#35 Aidan Campbell makes a split save during first-period action.
#2 Michael Craig begins celebrating his goal in the second period.
By Malcom Cooke
The Langley Rivermen bested the Nanaimo Clippers 5-1 on Saturday night, tying their first round series at 1-1. The Clippers head to Langley on Monday for game 3 of the best-of-seven series. Veteran defenceman Michael, Craig scored the lone Clipper goal in the loss.
To start the first period the Clippers took an early slashing penalty, giving Langley a chance to take the lead. Before the penalty to Mike Murtagh expired, Langley managed to score their first goal of the series and take 1-0 lead less than 3 minutes into the game. Late in the first period Brody Waters was slashed on a breakaway, giving him a penalty shot. Waters was unable to tie the game on the penalty shot. Off the ensuing faceoff, Langley went down and scored on Aidan Campbell, taking a 2-0 lead. The Clippers were not able to score in the first period, but outshot the Rivermen 14-11.
Langley goalie Ajeet Gundarah robbed Jake Hewitt of a goal midway through the second period. Langley added to their lead on a mishandled pass from Campbell, making it a 3-0 game. The Clippers swarmed Langley’s net multiple times in the second but could not sneak one past Gundarah. During a scrum in front of the Langley net Kai Daniells was issued a slashing penalty, giving Langley their second power play of the game. With the extra skater Langley scored their 4th goal of the game, taking a 4-0 lead. Late in the period a netfront scrum escalated to coincidental minor penalties and some 4 on 4 hockey. Langley took their first penalty of the game during 4 on 4, giving Nanaimo a brief 4 on 3 chance. Captain Micheal Craig would make good use of the free space as he wired home his first goal of the 2023 playoffs to bring the Clippers within 3 goals.
The Clippers received their second power play of the game midway through the third period with a chance to cut Langley’s lead to 2. Unable to score on the power play, the Clippers began firing pucks at Gundarah in hopes that one found a hole. Aftefirst-roundayant was bumped while attacking the net both sides were awarded penalties, which led to more 4 on 4 hockey. With 4 minutes to play, the Clippers pulled Aidan Campbell. On the next faceoff, the Rivermen flung the puck 200 feet into the empty cage to make the score 5-1. The game would end 5-1 in favour of the Rivermen, tying the first round series at 1-1.
Rivermen players swept the three stars of the game. Jeremie Payant earned FortisBC Energy Player of the Game for his efforts trying to spark the team. The first-round series turns to Langley for a pivotal game 3 matchup on Monday. The next playoff game at Frank Crane Arena will be game 5 on Thursday, April 6th. Tickets can be purchased at Nanaimoclippers.com or the Frank Crane box office on game day.
