DAUPHIN, MB - The Dauphin Kings scored five goals for the first time since mid January, but came up empty handed in Virden in a 7-5 loss to the Oil Capitals Friday night.

The first 20 minutes saw the Kings finally get off to a good start after struggling for a few games. First Brett Magarrell (2) lifted the opening goal into the Virden net. Then Dauphin product Luke Myhre scored his first MJHL goal with his home town team to make it 2-0. The Oil Capitals would then be treated to three straight man advantages. They'd score on the third one to make it 2-1. Daniel Helary would then take a 5 minute major fighting penalty which would result in Virden tying it at two after the opening period.

In the second period the Kings got off to a poor start. Ty Pratte would take a penalty just over a minute in and the Virden would score on it to go ahead 3-2. Four minutes later the Oil Capitals would double their lead, 4-2. Midway through the period Kale Pratte (10) would stop the bleeding for the Kings as they started to turn over the momentum. Virden would regain their two goal lead before the period was out.

The third had Virden pad their lead to 6-3 before the Kings woke up and made the game close with goals from Joey Kubas (14) and Quinten Fisk (4). But it was too little too late as the Oil Capitals would add an empty netter to close things out.

Special Teams were once again a struggle for the Kings. They were 3 for 6 on the Penalty Kill and 0 for 3 on the Power Play.

Shots were 36-29 in favour of the Oil Capitals. Hunter Bauer took the loss in net.

It'll be a quick turnaround for the now 23-20-1-0 Kings. They'll be in Winnipeg to battle the Monarchs tomorrow (7:30pm) before returning to Credit Union Place on Tuesday to host the Northern Manitoba Blizzard (7:00pm).

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