The Morning After

• Last night's outcome didn't surprise me but the score line sure did. Granted the Kings have won every game this season against the Grizzlies but I thought we would have seen a much closer game. We did for the first 30 minutes or so; after that it was all Powell River.
• It looks like the time away due to injury did Dan Schuler well. The 18 year old winger looked terrific scoring twice and finishing with three points. Schuler had lots of jump in his game and was all over the ice last night. Try to find a nicer, more modest kid in the BCHL.
• Special teams are, and will be, one of the biggest factors in the playoffs and it was last night. Both teams did struggle (PR 1/7) )(VIC 0/6), but the Kings capitalized with one on the PP and a short handed marker in the third. I expect the Kings to be much sharper on the man advantage tonight.
• Lost in the goals and drama of last night was the solid play of Mike Garteig. He didn't see as many shots as his counterpart, but he made some big saves at key times. Garteig doesn't have to be spectacular every night, just sound like he was on Tuesday.
• Did you know Andrew Pettitt collected three assists? It surprised me too. The veteran forward was great on the PK and was just as good in the offensive zone. He created a rebound for Schuler's first goal and also set up the plays that led to the Kings third and fourth goals.
• The Kings did a good job of keeping Joel Lowry in check last night. The Victoria forward was red hot coming into last night's game. He did get an assist on the Grizzlies first goal, but was held in check for the most part. It will be tough to do that two nights in a row but this team has exceeded defensive expectations before.
• Believe it or not, but one of the better Grizzlies last night was AP Mitch Smith. The Richmond Sockeye callup was very effective in his limited role on the fourth line. He skated well, took the body and was smart with the puck. That's what is asked for from an AP and he delivered.
• Cohen Adair was another who made a good impression returning from injury. Adair, when he puts it together, can be a premier power forward in the BCHL.  An example of that was on the Kings fifth goal when he made a great play with the puck to set up Chad Niddery.