After pulling off a win over the Clippers in Nanaimo last Friday night, the Cowichan Valley Capitals were shut out at home by the same team on Saturday.
Former Clipper Jesse Neher led the charge on Friday with a hat trick and an assist as the Caps edged their Nanaimo rivals 5-4. Unfortunately, the Clippers were out for vengeance the next night and trounced the Caps 6-0. Neher scored the first goal of the game on Friday with 38 seconds remaining in the opening period. After the Clippers pulled ahead 3-2 in the second, the Caps bounced back to dominate the final frame.
Thomas Gobeil, back after missing one game due to injury, scored the Caps' second-period goal, and Ryan Burton potted the game-winner with three minutes and 19 seconds left on the clock in the third period. Burton finished the game with two points, earning an assist on Neher's opening goal, while Kade Kehoe picked up a pair of helpers.
Also notable was that Capitals rookie and Duncan product Ryan Hogg collected his first B.C. Hockey League point when he assisted on Neher's third goal of the game.
Matt Zentner earned the win in goal, making 37 saves on 41 shots.
The Caps were out-shot 43-23 back home on Saturday as the Clippers ran the show on offence. Brendan Taylor led Nanaimo with two goals and two assists,
while Guillaume Decelles stopped all 23 shots. Lane Michasiw took the loss in the Cowichan net, making 37 saves.
Prior to Saturday's loss, the Caps had picked up four wins and a tie in their previous seven games. Despite that, they remain last in the five-team Coastal Conference with 11 wins, 23 losses, one tie and one overtime loss through
36 contests. Their 24 points are 10 back of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, who are currently holding down fourth place and the last playoff berth.
After a brief respite for Christmas, the Caps will return to action next Sunday at home against Powell River at 2 p.m., followed by a visit to the Victoria Grizzlies the following Tuesday.