It was a fantastic start to the game for the Vernon Vipers, but penalty trouble, frustration and a smothering Kings defense led to a tough end to 2013 for the Vipers. It was they type of game that had flow at times, but penalties squashed most of that flow and it seemed to work to the Powell River advantage.
To start the game the Vipers had jump and determination, using their speed and forecheck to swarm the Powell River defense. Vernon would draw first blood as Liam Coughlin would poke home a loose puck to make it 1-0 at the seven minute mark. The Vipers weren't done as three minutes later a point shot from Ryan Renz would find its way through the crowd and past Jonah Imoo to make it 2-0. At that point it seemed like things would go the Vipers way, but in fact it would be the last thing to go right on this night. A late powerplay for the Kings would convert as Stephen Hiff would get credit for his 5th to make it 2-1 after 1. The seed of frustration was planted in the opening period as both teams felt that penalties were missed and the ones that were called weren't justified. That issue would only get worse for the Vipers in the remaining 40 minutes.
The second period was a very slow moving period as the Vipers were penalized 3 times and the Kings would make them pay. JJ Coleshaw would score on a rebound to tie up the game at two. That seemed to spark the Kings as Luke Nogard would tally 4 minutes later to make it 3-2 PR. Less than two minutes later a nice individual effort from Kurt Keats would make it 4-2. Then another powerplay later Vernon product Jordan Burns would score his first of the season to end the period 5-2. After the Burns marker, that would spell the end of the night for Austin Smith, who I thought couldn't really be faulted on many of the goals, but the entire team was lacking focus and a change was necessary. In the period Mason Blacklock would be ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct which just went to show how frustrated the team really was.
The Vipers started to play better in the third as they attempted to get some building blocks heading into the Christmas Break. The flow and speed picked up, but at that point the Kings were playing shut down hockey knowing the Vipers have the fire power to get back into it. Credit to the Kings of taking away the time of space and when the Vipes opened up the ice, the Kings struck. Kurt Keats would score his second of the night to make it 6-2 and 11 seconds later Jarryd Leung would slip one through the legs of Todosychuk to make it 7-2. After that the game tidied up and finished by that margin.
My 3 Key Thoughts
1) Managing Frustration - The Vernon Vipers couldn't manage their frustration and emotion on Saturday night and let it get the best of them. The team was uncharacteristically frustrated and it only seemed to motivate the Powell River Kings. I think this could be viewed as a nice lesson for the team. Against a team with the number 2 ranked PP, you can't be taking 8 penalties. Its extremely important to remain composed throughout the entirety of a game. This Vipers didn't do that and they paid for it. I firmly believe that this team will come back from the break re-focused and motivated and put this one behind them.
2) Kings Are For Real - I liken this team to a well oiled machine. When they got down, there was no panic in their game and they chipped away and continued to build momentum until the flood gates opened in the second period. I would be very interested to see how these two teams stacked up in a seven game series. This game had enough dislike to fuel a very good series. Not only are the Kings solid defensively despite missing the likes of Luke Ripley, but they explode offensively scoring 15 goals in two games. They are a three headed monster and look well on their way to making hay in the Island Division.
3) Referees - When one team gets 8 powerplays and the other gets just 2, I feel like an explanation from my viewpoint is required. Were the Vipers guilty of taking 8 legit penalties...yes. Do I think the Kings deserved more than just 2 penalties...absolutely, but I've said this before, one referee CANNOT effectively manage a game without missing, sometimes crucial calls. There were high sticks, slashes and high hits that went undetected because they were behind the play. In the broadcast I said I don't envy the job this referee has to do, but how does this problem get remedied? More officials! With only 5 games in the league that night, how come only one referee is scheduled? It seems to happen all to often. In my humble opinion, one set of eyes isn't enough for a game that is so fast and physical as the BCHL offers.
The Vipers will be happy to get to the Christmas Break and get home for some well deserved family time. I would like to wish everyone reading this blog a Happy Holidays and Happy New Years. I look forward to 2014 and hope you'll join us on Friday January 3rd as the Vipers head to Trail to face the Smokies!
No comments:
Post a Comment