The Capitals tied the franchise record of 43 wins with a 7-2 road decision over the Campbellton Tigers.
The win gives the Capitals a 43-7-2-0 (won-lost-overtime losses-shootout losses) record in the 52-game schedule. The 2006-07 Capitals also won 43 games, but that season consisted of a 58-game schedule.
But the franchise wins record was not the only thing at stake for the Capitals, who finished the regular season by winning 24 of their final 25 games, including nine in a row.
Capitals forward Danny Chiasson assisted on the game’s final goal with 1:30 remaining in regulation time to move into a tie with Kyle Morrison of the Truro Bearcats for the league scoring championship. Chiasson finished the game with four points – one goal and three assists – while Morrison had two goals and one assist in Truro’s 7-2 victory over the Woodstock Slammers.
Chiasson, who was acquired in a trade with the Dieppe Commandos in December, finished the regular season with 88 points – 34 goals and 54 assists in 48 games.
Morrison also had 88 points – 35 goals and 53 assists – in 50 games.
Maynard nets hat trick
At the Campbellton Memorial Civic Centre, Mitch Maynard also had a big night for the Capitals. Maynard scored a natural hat trick in the second period and added an assist for a four-point night to finish the regular season with 70 points – 21 goals and 49 assists.
Defenceman Matt Kelly (1-2), JP Harvey (1-1) and rookie Jordan Buchanan also dented the twine for the Capitals. Colton Parsons, Spencer MacDonald, Wes Herrett, Luke Warner, Justin Rasmussen, Scott Trask and Thomas Stavert drew assists.
Frankie Hart and Alex White were the only Tigers to beat Capitals goaltender Jacob Riley, who notched his 23 victory of the season.
Overall, the Capitals outshot the Tigers 36-22.
Playoffs start March 17
The Capitals will open the best-of-seven Roger Meek Division series against the Miramichi Timberwolves at Eastlink Arena on Sunday, March 17. The opening faceoff is set for 2 p.m.
