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Victoria Grizzlies push Nanaimo Clippers to brink of elimination

Victoria win Game 4 by 3-2 score in first-round in playoff series
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Victoria Grizzlies goalie Oliver Auyeung-Ashton makes a save as Nanaimo Clippers forward Joel Plante crashes the crease during Game 4 of the playoffs on Wednesday, April 10, at Frank Crane Arena. (Greg Sakaki/News Bulletin)

The Nanaimo Clippers only have one playoff life left.

The Clippers were defeated by the Victoria Grizzlies by a 3-2 score in Game 4 on Wednesday, April 10, at Frank Crane Arena, and now trail their first-round B.C. Hockey League best-of-seven series three games to one.

Nanaimo started strong, building up a 2-0 lead during the first period, but Victoria made it 2-1 late in the first and 2-2 by the second intermission. The visitors then tallied a power play goal early in the third and although the home team generated chances after that, they couldn’t score an equalizer.

Joel Plante and Luke Buss scored for the Clippers, Connor DeTurris assisted on both, and Chazz Nixon made 31 saves as shots were 34-24 in favour of the Grizzlies.

Chase Pirtle scored twice for the Grizz, including the winning goal, and Luc Pelletier was Victoria’s other scorer. Oliver Auyeung-Ashton stopped 22 of 24 shots in the win.

GAME ON … The teams play Game 5 on Friday, April 12, at 7 p.m. at the Q Centre. Game 6, if necessary, will be Saturday, April 13, at 7 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena.

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