The Prince George Spruce Kings regained their first-place swagger Friday night in Chilliwack.
They topped the Chilliwack Chiefs 2-1, ending a two-game losing streak with a win over their B.C. Hockey League division rivals.
Dustin Manz broke a 1-1 deadlock with the game-winner, 16:03 into the third period, to lift the Spruce Kings to their 31st win in 56 games this season.
In what could be a first-round playoff matchup, the Kings drew first blood. Ben Brar connected on a power-play setup assisted by linemates Ethan de Jong and Blake Hayward to put Prince George ahead, 17:43 into the game. For Brar, it was his team-high 25th goal.
The Chiefs tied it in the second period with an even-strength goal. Captain Will Calverley collected his 18th of the season at the 3:48 mark.
The Chiefs outshot the Kings 25-14 through two periods. The teams went even at six shots apiece in the third period.
The win moved the Spruce Kings (31-17-4-4) 12 points ahead of the Chiefs (26-25-3-3), who remain fourth in the Mainland Division.
The same teams meet again tonight (7 p.m.) in Chilliwack. The Kings then will travel to Langley to finish out the regular season Sunday afternoon (2 p.m. start) against the Rivermen.
Langley tied the Coquitlam Express 2-2 Friday in Coquitlam. Former Spruce King Ryan Stack had a goal and an assist to lead the Express. The second-place Rivermen are seven points behind the Kings with one game left.
In other BCHL action Friday, Surrey lost 4-3 in Nanaimo. The win for the Clippers moved them back into a tie with the Victoria Grizzlies for first place in the Island Division.
