For the first time this season, the Prince George Spruce Kings lost back-to-back home games at the Coliseum.
The visiting Nanaimo Clippers edged the Kings 2-1 Sunday night in B.C. Hockey League action. That's after Prince George suffered a 3-2 loss to its Mainland DIvision rival Langley Rivermen Friday.
"We're definitely not used to it," said Kings assistant coach Jason Garneau of the pair of losses. "Two pretty good teams came in here this weekend... we've had a terrible time against Nanaimo the last couple years. They're a hard-working team and they played with desperation the last 10 minutes. Today, we didn't play well in spurts."
Nanaimo improved to 27-25-1-2 and 57 points to remain in third spot in the BCHL's Island Division, while Prince George suffered only their eighth loss in regulation time at home and fell to 30-18-3-2 and 65 points to remain in second place behind Langley in the Mainland Division.
Sunday's game was scoreless after the first two periods as the Kings controlled most of the play, outshooting the Clippers 32-25.
In the third frame, the two teams traded powerplay goals early on. Brent Lashuk scored his 19th of the season unassisted when he simply put the puck on net which snuck by Jayson Argue.
Clippers rebounded two minutes later when Sheldon Rempal scored his 19th of season to even things at 1-1.
Clippers continued their offensive surge and were rewarded on an even-strength tally from Korey Morgan after the Spruce Kings turned the puck over in their own end.
Despite pulling netminder Jesse Jenks in the final minute of play for the extra attacker, Prince George couldn't score the equalizer to send the game into overtime.
Prince George held the edge on shots on goal, 43-40.
On Thursday, the Spruce Kings embark on a three-game road trip that will take them to Coquitlam on Friday, Chilliwack on Saturday, and Langley on Sunday.
They'll return to the Coliseum to face the Rivermen Feb. 27 and 28 to wrap up the regular season.
Garneau said with a playoff spot wrapped up, shouldn't be difficult for the Spruce Kings to maintain their focus with five games left.
"We're still challenging Langley [for the top playoff spot]... we just need to refocus and in practice working on shot-blocking and getting in the shooting lanes before we get on the bus Thursday."
Notes: Rookie defenceman Danny Kiraly returned to the lineup on the weekend after suffering a concussion during a home game against Coquitlam Jan. 25.
