NANAIMO — The Clippers will need at least one more game to knock the Cowichan Valley Capitals out of the playoffs.
Down 3-0 in the series, the shortmanned Capitals came up with their best game in a 5-2 win.
Four of the five Cowichan markers were from defencemen including a pair of power play goals by Michael Ryan.
Carter Dekay, Taite Donkin and Ryan gave the Capitals a 3-0 lead before Harrison Boldt narrowed the gap to 3-1 with his first goal of the post season heading into the second intermission.
Drew Roelofs pulled the Clippers to within a goal early in the third period before late tallies by Andrew Cowgill and Ryan.
Cowichan Valley made a goaltending switch and backup Jaiden Sharma started, comping up with a strong performance in the victory.
Eliot Seguin-Lescarbeau took the loss for Nanaimo with the shots finishing 32-32.
The Clippers went 0-1 on the power play while the Capitals were 2/3.
A late major penalty call on Charles Beland for a check from behind could lead to a suspension for the Clippers top goal scorer.
Jack Rimmer had to serve a one game suspension for his hit on the Capitals Junsu Kwak in Game 3.
Nanaimo also played without defenceman Owen Davies and Cowichan had Slade Firkus, captain Ryan Harvey, Gavin Nemis and Kwak on the injured list.
Game 5 will take place on April 24 at the Cowichan Valley Community Centre.
Sponsored by Pinnacle Pharmacy, visit them at 5771 Turner Rd or at pinnaclepharmacy.ca
Subscribe to our daily news wrap. Local news delivered to your email inbox every evening.Stay up to date on everything Nanaimo and Oceanside.
Follow us on: Twitter (X) | Bluesky | Facebook
