By Dan Marshall

Clippers in third place after 3-1 win over the Bulldogs

Feb 11, 2017 | 4:28 PM

NANAIMO – The Clippers jumped into third place in the Island Division with a 3-1 win over the Bulldogs on Friday.

It was their fourth straight victory over Alberni Valley in a season series that finished 5-1-0-2 in Nanaimo’s favour.

Their only outright loss was a 4-1 setback on the opening night of the season.

When Friday ended the Clippers were one point ahead of Cowichan Valley and seven points clear of Alberni with five games remaining.

David Silye opening the scoring in the game with a shorthanded goal in the first period.

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The Bulldogs tied it when Keith Anderson shot high to the stick side of Evan DeBrouwer in the first minute of the second.

Matt Creamer blasted a shot off the post and in behind Brody Claeys to give Nanaimo the lead back just a few minutes later.

From there Claeys and DeBrouwer matched each other save for save until late in the final period.

The Bulldogs were on a power play late in the game when they pulled Claeys and Josh Blanchard ensured a Clipper victory with a shorthanded empty netter.

The final shot totals were 38-29 Nanaimo, with neither team connecting on the power play.

There were only five man advantage situations the entire game with the Bulldogs getting the extra opportunity.

It was Nanaimo’s third straight win and sixth in the last nine games overall.

The Clippers final five games are against Cowichan, a pair on the road in Powell River, and they wrap up the season with a home and set with Victoria.

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Friday’s Three Stars

1) Evan DeBrouwer 28 saves 

2) Brody Claeys 35 saves

3) Matt Creamer 1g

dan.marshall@jpbg.ca

On twitter: @danmarshall77