Ethan Scardina scored a breakaway goal in overtime to lift the Clippers to a win over the Capitals. Nanaimo has a three point lead for first place in the Island Division. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

First Place Showdown

Clippers fight back to beat Capitals 3-2 in OT

Jan 3, 2020 | 10:46 PM

NANAIMO – The Clippers tied the game late and won 3-2 in overtime against the Capitals.

A huge announced crowd of 2679 went home happy after Ethan Scardina beat Zach Borgiel two minutes into OT to cap off an entertaining night.

Tim Washe gave the Clippers an early first period lead but goals by Cruz Cote and David Wang put Cowichan Valley in front 2-1 after 20 minutes.

The game stayed that way until late in the third when Aiden Hansen-Bukata’s screened point shot evened the score.

Several timely saves by the BCHL’s December Player of the Month Jordan Naylor helped the Clippers get their 26th win of the season and their first in three tries against their division rivals.

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A breakaway save on Matthew Crasa late in the second period was one of his most difficult stops.

The power plays were 5-0 in Nanaimo’s favour and the shots on goal finished up 38-31 for the Capitals.

The two division rivals play each other again on Jan. 4 in Duncan, and will have yet another matchup on Saturday Jan. 11 also at the Cowichan Community Centre.

dan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On twitter: @danmarshall77