Vladimir Nikitin stopped all 37 shots he faced in a 3-0 Nanaimo Clippers victory over the Express. His record is now 10-2 with a shutout. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

Nikitin Unbeatable

Nikitin leads Clippers to shutout win over Express

Mar 22, 2025 | 11:31 PM

COQUITLAM — In an important playoff positioning game the Clippers and Express played scoreless into the third period.

The only shot to beat a goalie was a power play marker by Chase Hull mid way through the final frame.

Nanaimo’s Vladimir Nikitin and his counterpart Andrew Ness were both dialed in with Nikitin stopping all 37 shots he faced and Ness making 37 saves as well.

The Clippers had empty netters from both Luke Lavery and Jack Rimmer to put the game away in the final two minutes.

Nanaimo was 1/3 on the man advantage and killed off both power plays against them.

toxic drug crisis

B.C. drug decriminalization and safer supply associated with more overdoses: study

3h ago

quick action

Parksville arena workers praised after reviving hockey player using AED

5h ago

iio report

No charges pending for Nanaimo Mounties after woman breaks arm in custody

7h ago

Nikitin now has a 10-2 record with two shutouts in his Clippers career.

The team has won six games in a row and has only suffered four regulation losses in 2025.

With the victory the Clippers vaulted over the Express in the Coastal Division standings.

Two games remain in Nanaimo’s regular season and they sit in fifth place, three points behind Surrey, Cowichan and Victoria.

The Clippers two final contests are on the road against the Capitals and at home to the Eagles.

Nanaimo can finish as high as second and as low as sixth place.

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.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

Follow us on: Twitter (X) | Bluesky | Facebook