DAUPHIN, MB - The Dauphin Kings battled back late but couldn't push the game to overtime in a 2-1 loss to the Northern Manitoba Blizzard Tuesday night at Credit Union Place.

The game was scoreless until the second period where the Blizzard broke through twice to take a 2-0 advantage.

Dauphin would score late in the third period and have a good push in the final frame at times, but ultimately they would fall to the Blizzard. Havryil Simchuk (11) extended his goal scoring streak for the Kings with the late Dauphin goal.

Cole Sheffield was very good despite the loss. He kept his team in the game making a handful of great saves. In the end the Ontario product turned aside 35 of 37 shots. His team had 33.

Special Teams went the way of the Blizzard on Tuesday. Norman was 1 for 4 on the Power Play and 3 for 3 on the Penalty Kill.

The loss drops the Kings to 31-14-1-1 on the season and put them seven points up on the Blizzard for first in the West Division. Both teams are even at 47 games played and 11 to go.

Now the Kings hit the road. They begin another busy weekend on Friday when they visit the Steinbach Pistons (7:00pm). After that they meet Niverville on Saturday (7:00pm) and the Blues in Winnipeg on Sunday (6:00pm). They'll conclude their four game road swing next Friday when they take on the Titans in Neepawa (7:30pm). Dauphin's next home game is Saturday March 1st at 7:30pm when they meet the Niverville Nighthawks for their fourth and final time this season.

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