Kings Fall to Langley 4-2

"The score will take care of itself when you take care of the effort that precedes the score"
        - John Wooden

That quote could sum out yesterday afternoon at the Langley Events Centre for the Powell River Kings. The Chiefs outworked the Kings and were allowed to dictate the game with their style of play in contest.

The Kings looked tired and sluggish in the first period, something I haven't seen from this group in quite some time. The Coaching staff was not happy, as they made an conscientious effort to travel the day before. Travel could not be made into an excuse.

Compounding the problems  was missing co-captain, Matt Garbowsky who sat out due to the flu. I talked to Garbowsky in the second intermission and lets say he didn't look so hot. By all indications he should be ready for tomorrow but the team is taking a wait and see approach.

Another alarming trend from yesterday's contest was the undisciplined play displayed from the team. Powell River was burned for seven penalties and yielded six power-plays. The Chiefs scored once on the man advantage, the opening goal by Tim Daly in the first period.

Furthermore, Dan Schuler and Justin DaSilva both received game misconducts. By the 11:02 mark in the second period, Powell River was done to 11 forwards and five defensemen. Schuler should be eligible for tomorrow night, whereas DaSilva most likely will serve an additional two game suspension. DaSilva was given a five minute hit to the head major penalty. That does carry a two game suspension under the new junior A supplement.

 The Kings did have a much better second period,scoring the only goal , courtesy of Cohen Adair's power-play marker at 18:58. Also the Kings actually out shot the Chiefs 18-10 in that period and 27-18 through two periods. The game was theirs for the taking.


The third period saw the Kings back on their heels and the wheeled three goals in 8:11 for the Chiefs. With the last one coming short-handed, during a 2-1 game. That goal seemed to be the straw that broke the camel's back. The Kings did strike once more, on the power-play, when Chris Williams converted  from the point.

Some might panic and start to point fingers as the Kings are now in an unofficial  two game slump, if you include the exhibition game against Malmo. However teams that lose one out of every three games over the course of the season are good team as that would translte into a 35 - 40 win team. The Kings, just lost their first in TEN games and only sixth in regulation. I would say their is no need to worry.