The Clippers found themselves tied with the Powell River Kings late in the third period for yet another hockey game on Saturday night.
But the Kings broke a 4-4 tie and went on to win 6-4 over the Clippers at the Hap Parker Arena to capture the Island Division semi final in six games.
Nanaimo had the start they wanted with a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes thanks to a goal from Jordan Wharrie.
The offenses of both teams exploded in the second period.
Ben Berard tied the game early on a Kings man advantage, and then Parker Colley and Cal Babych quickly responded to make the score 3-1.
Carter Turnbull banked a puck in a delayed penalty to cut the lead but Josh Bourne restored a two goal lead halfway through the period.
The Clippers had momentum at that point, and had chances to extend the lead but when Mitchell Williams cut the advantage to 4-3 Powell River started to force the issue.
Gavin Rauser tied the game at 4-4 early in the third period, and Carter Turnbull found the top of the net from a stiff angle with under three minutes to play for his second straight game winning goal.
Mitchell Willams added an empty netter in the final minute.
The Kings outshot the Clippers 36-34 with Matteo Paler-Chow getting the win over Taz Burman.
There were only two power plays each way with Berard notching the only marker on the man advantage.
The last five games of the series were in doubt in the final minute with two of those going to overtime.
With the win the Kings move on to the Island final to face the Victoria Grizzlies.
The Clippers will be forced to make changes in the offseason, losing their crop of 20-year-olds and saying goodbye to Tristan Crozier and Jake Harris who will be attending Brown University.
Nanaimo’s returning players will be led by Max Crozier who is likely to be an NHL draft pick by the time the 2018-19 season begins.
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Saturday’s Three Stars
1) Carter Turnbull 2g
2) Cal Babych 1g 1a
3) Andy Stevens
