Nikitin shines in Chilliwack goal as Chiefs surprise Penticton

PENTICTON — Vladimir Nikitin was spectacular in making 48 saves to lead the Chilliwack Chiefs to a 3 – 1 victory over Penticton Friday (Jan. 26) in the Okanagan.

The Interior Division leading Vees fired 33 shots at the Chilliwack net in the third period alone but were unable to solve the Chiefs netminder until just 51 seconds remained in regulation time. Nikitin has now won his last six starts and allowed two goals or less in his last four.

The game was scoreless through the first 50 minutes but the Chiefs struck for goals by Connor Dick and Brady Milburn 66 seconds apart. Milburn added his second goal of the night late in the third with a shorthanded empty netter to make the lead 3 – 0.

The Chiefs could only manage 21 shots on the Penticton net.