The Powell River Kings will look to punch their ticket to the second round of the Coastal Conference playoffs when they host the Cowichan Valley Capitals at the Powell River Recreation Complex this evening. The Kings, who took both Games 1 and 2 on home ice to open the playoffs, currently hold a 3-1 series lead after splitting with the Capitals at the Island Savings Centre.
The Kings have spread around the offence nicely through four games, but it has been Rookie of the Year candidate Matt Garbowsky who has led the way with two goals and nine points. Fellow forwards Jordan Grant, Daniel Carr, Chad Niddery and Teagan Waugh are also on a point-a-game pace or better.
For Cowichan Valley, a Game 5 win will likely depend on their success in pressuring the Powell River defence and putting pucks past Kings netminder Josh Watson. The 19-year old has allowed just nine goals in four games, but three of those came in the second period of a 4-3 Capitals win in Game 4. The Coast's number seven seed will need a similar offensive effort tonight.
In other Coastal Conference action set for Thursday night:
- The Surrey Eagles and Langley Chiefs are set to battle for the series lead in a crucial Game 5 match-up at the Langley Events Centre. The Eagles are coming off an impressive 3-1 victory in Game 4, where netminder Vinny Lessard came up big with a 40-save performance. Surrey proved early that they could be a threat on the road with a Game 1 win at the LEC, but they will need to win back-to-back for the first time in the series to avoid a potential elimination game at home on Friday. Colton Beck has carried over his regular season success into the playoffs for the Chiefs; the 19-year old has contributed a pair of goals and picked up eight points to lead all scorers in the battle between Lower Mainland rivals.
- The Victoria Grizzlies will look to take a lead in their series with the Nanaimo Clippers tonight after falling behind 2-0 on the weekend with back-to-back home losses. Ryan Holfeld has put up stellar numbers since returning from suspension to start Game 3; his 2.10 goals-against average is tops amongst Coastal netminders to this point of the first round. The Clippers have received excellent production from 17-year old forwards Teal Burns and Kyle Kramer, but will need for veterans Cody Bremner, Carson Schell and Joe Perry to chip in offensively. The trio has combined for three points through four games.
