Despite winning just one of three games last week, the Dauphin Kings remain in sole possession of second place in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League’s MGEU West Division.
Even while recording 64 shots on net, the Kings fell 4-0 to the Swan Valley Stampeders, Feb. 3, in Dauphin.
The Kings then embarked on a short two-game road trip, beginning Friday in Virden, where the Oil Capitals scored three times on the power play in a 7-5 win over the Kings.
On Saturday, it was Dauphin’s turn to put the power play to good use as they scored three times on the man advantage to beat the Winnipeg Monarchs, 5-1, in Winnipeg.
“You have to start wondering what the hockey gods were thinking,” Kings head coach Doug Hedley said of the loss to Swan Valley.
“We played well. We’d be in their end for a long time and then they’d have one opportunity and they’d score. We’ve got a great group. The coaching staff and everybody still believes the fact that we can get things going.”
Hedley said it is just a matter of time for the team to start scoring again.
“And once they do it will become regular and consistent. Our work ethic is there. The battles are there. A lot of areas are really good. We just have to, at crucial times in the game, step up and find a way to get it done,” he said.
Virden took advantage of some undisciplined play by the Kings, getting seven power plays in the game to Dauphin’s three.
Hedley felt the Kings played well at five-on-five, but the special teams need to get better.
“We’re capable of doing it. It’s just a matter of finding ways,” he said.
Dauphin’s power play moved the puck well against the Monarchs, which resulted in three goals in six chances.
“We changed a few things up. Right now it’s really tough because of injuries to (Rylan) Gage and (Kurtis) Kinoshita. And now (Wyatt) Dyck is out with a shoulder. So there’s three guys out of the lineup that would be regulars on special teams,” Hedley said, adding he was pleased with the younger players who stepped up and played well against Virden.
“They got a couple goals. Second shots, actually, by going to the paint. They’re definitely very positive and they’re stepping up and finding ways. Then they played very well in Winnipeg. That’s definitely a good sign for now and the future,” he said.
The Kings have three games this week against some of the league’s weaker teams.
The host the Northern Manitoba Blizzard, Tuesday, with the Monarchs visiting, Friday, with both games starting at 7 p.m.
On Saturday, the Kings return to Winnipeg for a date with the Blues at 7:30 p.m.
The Kings will then travel to Waywayseecappo for a game with the Wolverines on Louis Riel Day.
Hedley said these will be big games for his team.
“It’s a chance for us to get some consistency. It’s a chance for us to get some swagger back and get on a roll. We have a seven-game segment coming up and every game is winnable. So we’re looking forward to a good one,” he said.
Kings court: Defenceman Aiden Murray has committed to the Division 1 Niagara Purple Eagles, which plays in the American Collegiate Hockey Association.
