It was a much different Vipers team on Saturday night, than the team that defeated the Eagles the night before. They lacked discipline at times, the were also shaky defensively, and the goaltending wasn't as clutch as it had been in previous games. The Eagles however made the Vipers pay for their mistakes and refused to give up.
The Vipers jumped out to an early lead as Michael McNicholas would score his first with the team, just 2 minutes into the game. More offensive pressure lead to another Viper goal as the red hot Mason Blacklock would knock a puck out of mid air into the back of the net for his team leading 8th of the season. That two goal lead was quite short lived as Vernon got into penalty trouble and Surrey would make them pay. Jonah Renouf would score his first of two on the night. Another powerplay later Nic Pierog would streak down the right wing and beat Austin Smith and quickly the game was tied up at two. Three minutes later Ryan Fraser-Lee would put a puck towards the goal with a ton of traffic in front of Smith, he never saw it and the Eagles would head to the intermission up by a goal.
Vernon would continue some time in the offensive zone and right off a faceoff, Michael McNicholas would snap a shot through the wickets of Adamo and that would get the game tied. But as has been the case at times this season the opposition was quick to respond. Jonah Renouf would try a wrap around stopped by Smith, but he followed up the rebound and banked the puck in off the Viper net minder to once again give the Eagles the lead.
The Vipers started the period with the powerplay, but couldn't convert. They would however, capitalize right after as Demico Hannoun would tie the game up with his 3rd of the season. The back breaker of the game for Vernon would be the inability to score on the powerplay all night, but on this occasion after the powerplay expired, Fraser-Lee, fresh out of the penalty box, would be sent in on a breakaway and put home his own rebound to give the Eagles a lead they would not relinquish.. The Vernon powerplay had another chance in the final two minutes, but couldn't score and the Eagles would score 2 shorthanded empty net goals to finish the Snakes off, 7-4.
My 3 Key Thoughts
1) 24 Hour Change - It was amazing to see how things can change in this league from the night before. Vernon wasn't nearly as sharp, or disciplined. Surrey on the other hand played a composed game, shook of their mistakes and got some timely saves. It was a reversal of fortunes in this game.
2) Close But No Cigar - To say Vernon had opportunities to get this game tied would be an understatement. The powerplay was their Achilles heel going 0 for 7.
3) Eagles Special Teams - The battle on special teams was won by the Eagles hands down. The big difference was the 2 powerplay goals. At the end of the day that proved to be what gave the Eagles the edge and the two points.
3 Stars - 1) Ryan Fraser-Lee - 2 goals, 2 assists, 4 points, 4 pims
2) Jonah Renouf - 2 goals, 1 assist, 3 points
3) Michael McNicholas - 2 goals
Back to the drawing board for the Vipers powerplay. Jason Williamson said its time to simplify and we'll wait and see if that message is received.
Next up the Vipers head up north for a matchup with the Prince George Spruce Kings. All the action can be heard on Village Green Hotel Vipers Hockey on 1075 KISSFM starting at 6:45 with the pregame show and the play by play at 7.
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