The Clippers got out to an early 4-1 lead and then overcame nine power plays against, in a 5-4 victory over the Kings. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

New Year's Victory

Clippers celebrate New Year’s with 5-4 win over Powell River

Dec 31, 2019 | 9:06 PM

POWELL RIVER – The Clippers changed their forwards lines, defensive pairings, and scratches in effort to get two points in their final game of 2019.

It had the desired effect with the team getting out to an early 4-1 lead and winning 5-4 over the Kings.

Powell River actually opened the scoring on a shot from Jacob Slipec early in the first period.

It was against the flow of play and Nanaimo recovered with four goals in under twelve minutes by Sean Donaldson, Steven Agriogianis, Josh Bourne, and Tim Washe.

Power plays became the story from then on with Kings getting nine opportunities to the Clippers four.

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Levi Glasman and Jacob Badal had power play markers in the second, to close the gap to 4-3.

A Tyler Williams goal on the mad advantage late in the period put Nanaimo up by two and ended up being the game winner.

The Clippers started the third on a five on three penalty kill for 48 seconds after Nanaimo was given a bench minor and Associate Coach Colin Birkas was assessed a game misconduct.

Powell River did get a late six on five goal from Glasman but that was as close as the Kings would come.

After going 7/9 on the PK and 1/4 a man up, the Clippers were a combined 14 of 16 on the penalty kill and 1/7 on the power play in their two game Powell River series.

The best of the new forward combinations was Tyler Williams, Steven Agriogianis and Josh Bourne.

They connected for seven points as a line.

Nanaimo is now two points clear for first place in the Island Division with a home and home series with the Capitals on tap Jan. 3 and Jan. 4.

Six of the final 18 games of the regular season will be head to head battles between Nanaimo and Cowichan.

dan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On twitter: @danmarshall77