When the Vernon Vipers and the Merritt Centennials meet, it is destined to be close and entertaining. For the third straight time it was a one goal game, this time however was in favour of the Vipers. The Snakes sandwiched two good periods around an average one and got a powerplay marker when the needed it to get the win. The two points were huge to draw even with the Cents with one game in hand.
The Vipers had a very good start to the game keeping the puck in the Cents zone. A big key was smart plays out of their own zone, speed and a relentless forecheck. Coughlin would open the scoring off a great play from Ryan Renz. The top line of the Vipers weren't as dangerous as they have been in previous outings, but still contributed. The lead was short lived as Shane Poulsen would tie the game up 44 seconds later on a seeing eye wrist shot. Once again some good board work from Dancs would lead to the Vipers getting the lead back as Matty Saharchuk cruised through the slot and snapped a quick shot past Kero.
Penalties were the undoing of the Vipers in the middle frame and really allowed the Cents to control the play. The Cents would score 2 goals on the powerplay. One off a scramble where Jeff Wight would bury the rebound. Wight would score again off a nice passing play with the man advantage to give the Cents a 3-2 lead. Overall it wasn't a great period for the Vipers and discipline was a factor. This team is getting used to being down by a goal or two heading into the final frame and I had the feeling the third was going to be a better effort.
The third had more physicality, but was very slow moving. Both teams iced the puck and went offsides more times than I'm sure they'd like to. The Vipers were the recipients of three powerplays and it was the final one that made the difference as Brendan Persley would sneak in behind the defense and get sent in on a breakaway with a slick move to the backhand. It was much deserved for the 20 year old forward who had multiple chances in the previous few games. The Vipers have been the better team in most of the overtimes this season, but came out on the wrong end. Tonight it took one shot from Riley Guenther to end it as he found some open space in the slot and awarded the Vipers with the extra point.
My 3 Key Thoughts
1) Playing From Behind - This team continues to have success when trailing into the final period. There is no panic in this group and the ability to play well while behind can only bode well for this club.
2) Riley Guenther - His two goals this season have been huge. A game tying goal late in regulation against Penticton and the game winner in overtime tonight. He played monster minutes for Jason Williamson and rewarded the coach with great play defensively and with a goal.
3) Discipline - The Vipers had trouble in the second period of staying out of the box. I didn't think they were terrible penalties to take, but in the grand scheme of things, if you take those away the Vipers had a very good 5 on 5 game. Its one of the rare games that the PK was victimized multiple times and made this game very interesting.
The Vipers remain undefeated in regulation in the month of November and handed the Cents their first lost in the month as well. Vernon will look to carry that success into a Sunday Matinee against the Cowichan Valley Capitals. The action starts at 2 oclock from Kal Tire Place. I will have the call on the Vipers MixLR starting at 1:45.
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