(Photo credit: Island Images)
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs came out fast and set the tone early, but the Nanaimo Clippers battled back to claim a 4-2 win in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series Saturday night at the Frank Crane Arena.
Alberni Valley opened the scoring just 3:02 into the game, as Samuel Léonard finished off a setup from Leim Smith and Grady Magner. The Bulldogs kept the pressure on throughout the first period, and Wyatt Blace extended the lead late in the frame, converting off a feed from Magner — his second assist of the night — and Brandon Gill to make it 2-0 after 20 minutes.
The momentum began to shift in the second period, with Nanaimo capitalizing on the power play late to cut the lead in half heading into the third.
In the final frame, the Clippers continued to push and found the equalizer early, again on the power play. Nanaimo carried that pressure through the period, eventually taking the lead late before adding an empty-net goal to seal the 4-2 result.
Through two games, the third period has been the turning point in the series, with momentum swinging late. The Bulldogs have shown they can dictate play early — now it’s about carrying that same pace and execution through the final 20 minutes.
Special teams played a key role, with the Clippers scoring twice on seven opportunities, while the Bulldogs were unable to convert on their lone power play. Nanaimo also held the edge in shots, outshooting Alberni Valley 44-18.
Despite the loss, goaltender Derik Brouillard delivered a strong performance with 40 saves, keeping the Bulldogs within striking distance as the game tightened and earning him 3rd star of the night.
Alberni Valley showed early just how effective they can be when they’re playing on their front foot — something they’ll look to carry forward as the series shifts back to home ice.
Game 3 is set for Tuesday night at the Alberni Valley Multiplex, where the Bulldogs return to the Dawg Pound looking to respond in front of their home crowd.
Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM.
