Aiden Hansen-Bukata's third period goal proved to be the winner in Nanaimo's 3-2 victory in Alberni Valley. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

Road Success

Clippers take 3-0 series lead with 3-2 over Bulldogs

Mar 3, 2020 | 10:12 PM

PORT ALBERNI – The Clippers have a stranglehold on their first round playoff series with the Bulldogs after a 3-2 win in Game 3.

Nanaimo never trailed in the most competitive game of the first round matchup, which they now lead 3-0.

For the third straight outing Nanaimo scored the first goal with a power play deflection by Liam Ryan.

Kyler Kovich upped the lead to 2-0 in the first minute of the second period but it was the goalies who were the story in the middle frame.

Jordan Naylor stopped all twelve shots he faced and Luke Pearson, seeing his first action of the series, made 18 saves on 19 Clipper shots.

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In the third period Jackson Doucet brought the Bulldogs within one on a power play.

Aiden Hansen-Bukata whipped a shot off the post and in to restore the two goal advantage and it ended up being the winner.

The Bulldogs cut the margin to 3-2 on a Dawson Tritt tally but the Clippers were able to hang on for the victory.

Nanaimo outshot Alberni Valley 50-41 while going 1/5 on the power play and 2/3 on the penalty kill.

Overall the Clippers have won eight consecutive hockey games and they’ve also won eight straight head to head against the Bulldogs.

Game 4 is slated for March 5 at Weyerhauser Arena. A win would see Nanaimo advance to the second round of the BCHL playoffs for the first time since 2016.

dan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On twitter: @danmarshall77

by Dan Marshall

Clippers take 3-0 series lead with 3-2 over Bulldogs

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