The Nelson Leafs lead on top spot in the Neil Murdoch division is back down to four points after a 2-1 loss to the second place Beaver Valley Nitehawks on Saturday night in Fruitvale.
The contest was the complete opposite of Friday night’s tilt in Nelson where the Leafs beat the Nitehawks 6-2.
On Saturday, the Beaver Valley squad managed to contain the Nelson offence to just one goal.
After a scoreless first period, Beaver Valley’s Sheldon Hubbard opened the scoring in the second, beating Nelson netminder Brad Rebagliati.
The score remained 1-0 until the third.
Alec Wilkinson scored the only goal for Nelson, but the Nitehawks Ryan Edwards also bulged the twine, on the powerplay, to net the winning goal.
Rebagliati was strong in net for Nelson, stopping 43 0f 45 shots that came his way in the loss.
Beaver Valley’s goaltender, Brett Clark, earned the win stopping 31 of 32 shots he faced.
The Leafs only have three regular season games left before the playoffs. Beaver Valley has five games to go.
Nelson’s next game is Friday, February 14 at the NDCC when the Grand Forks Border Bruins come to town. Puck drops at 7 p.m.
The Leafs final two games are on the road. The first is on February 15 at Grand Forks and the final game of the season is another contest in Fruitvale, against the Nitehawks.
That contest may be a one game showdown for first place.
