The Pembroke Lumber Kings knew they were going to be for a tough battle Wednesday night at the Nepean Sportsplex. Like the Kings, the defending Central Canada Hockey League champion Raiders have not been burning up the league in the early going this season, but they always seem to have something extra when Pembroke comes to town.

In an evenly-played first period, the Raiders broke the ice in the late going, Derek Diaz scoring at 16:15 with assists going to Alex Odea and Tanner Williams. Nepean held a 10-9 margin in shots in the opening 20 minutes.

Nepean made it 2-0 with Liam Biard in the box for tripping. Brent Norris scored on the power play, with Diaz and Vincent Liorca assisting at 9:57 of the second period.

Just over a minute later the Kings got on the board, Stephen Hrehoriak doing the honours with Ben Dalpe and Jordan Larson assisting at 11:13.

Before the period ended, Nepean increased its lead to 3-1 when Brandon Watt scored at 17:44, Wyatt Coghill and Phillip Nasca earning assists.

Nepean did the scoring, but Pembroke did the shooting in the second, outshooting the Raiders 21-9 with little to show for their efforts.

The Raiders owned the final period, getting goals from Phillip Nasca, Dalen Hedges and Andrew DeBrincat to wrap up a convincing 6-1 victory over the Lumber Kings.

Nepean outshot Pembroke 15-3 in the third, 34-33 overall.

Nepean goalie Matt Zawadzki was first star, while Raider Brent Norris was second and Brandon Watt third.

From the frying pan into the fire, the Kings travel to Smiths Falls Friday to play the league-leading Bears at 7:30 p.m.

peter.lapinskie@sunmedia.ca