The Victoria Grizzlies broke a 1-1 tie in a span of 37 seconds early in the second period and went on to beat the Nanaimo Clippers 4-2 in Game 1 of the BCHL playoffs. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

Down a Game

Clippers lose 4-2 to Grizzlies in playoff opener

Apr 5, 2024 | 10:58 PM

NANAIMO — The Clippers were outscored 3-1 in a critical second period in a 4-2 Game 1 playoff loss in Victoria.

The Grizzlies Reegan Hiscock and Nanaimo’s Michael Murtagh exchanged first period markers, with Murtagh’s coming on a Clippers five on three.

Two Victoria goals in a span of 37 seconds tilted the game early in the middle frame.

Hiscock with his second of the game and Elliot Dutil gave the Grizzlies a lead they would never relinquish.

A pretty passing play finished off by Gabriel Westling got the Clippers within a goal but a late period shorthanded tally by Ryan Watt restored Victoria’s two goal advantage.

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There was no scoring in the third period with goalies Chazz Nixon and the Grizzlies Oliver Auyeung-Ashton shutting the door.

Nanaimo outshot Victoria 14-5 in the third and 38-32 overall in the game.

The Clippers went 1/5 on the man advantage and only took one minor penalty with two seconds left in the game.

On night one of the BCHL playoffs the home team prevailed in all eight series.

Nanaimo looks for a road win to get back in the series with Game 2 on April 6 at 6 p.m. at the Q Centre.

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