The Vernon Vipers battled back from just about everything on Friday night in Victoria as they would erase a late deficit to force OT then win it in the extra frame. From a malfunctioning bus, biting winds and a sluggish start, the Vipers were able to take an important two points in a tough building against a very tough Victoria team.
The Vipers arrived an hour later than anticipated after issues with the bus and it really looked as if the team was playing a little behind in the first twenty minutes. Passes weren't connecting, they weren't skating as hard as we've seen and they just weren't generating chances. Luckily for them, I don't think the Grizzlies were at their best either. They did strike first however, on a Powerplay as Jesse Schwartz would score his 11th of the season to give Victoria a 1-0 lead and the Vipers were more than happy to hear the first period horn sound.
Then for whatever reason, Vernon came out with a complete 180 and pushed the pace, played physical and ultimately controlled the middle period. They were rewarded for their hard work as late in a man advantage Michael McNicholas would score his first of two on the night from the slot to get the game tied. One line that had their legs all night long was the combo of TJ Dumonceaux, Logan Mick and Tyler Povelofskie. They would chime in on the scoreboard off a beautiful goal from Logan Mick as he put on the after burners and snapped a wrist shot over Alec Dillon to give Vernon a 2-1 lead heading into the final period.
The Vipers continued to play very well in their own zone. They had a handful of very quality chances, but Alec Dillon was outstanding robbing Demico Hannoun, Dexter Dancs and Michael McNicholas and that would give the Grizz some life as Gerry and Myles Fitzgerald would score 39 seconds apart to quickly give Victoria a 3-2 lead. The Vipers, as they have all season long, didn't panic and got back to the type of game that had them leading. A good forecheck allowed a puck in the slot to find Michael McNicholas and he would get the game tied with just 3 minutes left in regulation.
It wouldn't be a long overtime as Liam Coughlin would feed Dexter Dancs streaking to the net and he redirected the puck right up under the bar to give the Vipers the 4-3 win.
My 3 Key Thoughts
1) Unsung Heroes - This team continues to get fantastic efforts from everyone. The veterans lead by example. Case in point, Colton Sparrow throwing a number of big hits early in the 2nd period. Jason Williamson said that he doesn't have to say much in the intermission, because his guys know when they need to be better. That fact really seemed magnified as they played nearly a perfect final 40 minutes with the exception of that 1 minute span where Victoria scored two goals.
2) Powerplay Clicking - Slowly but surely, the Vernon Vipers powerplay is improving. To think the man advantage would do an about face and jump to the top of the league would be unrealistic, but it has now scored in 3 straight games and coincidentally 3 straight wins. Its no secret a good team needs a good powerplay and lately, the Vipers have had a good one.
3) Alec Dillons Glove Hand - In a word Wow!!! This kid has a fantastic glove hand and he showed it off frequently against the Vipers. He made at least 5 stellar glove saves that prevented sure goals. Without his play the Vipers would have cruised to a victory. Some would argue how he was awarded first start with only 20 saves on 24 shots and they would probably be right, but there is no denying the number of fantastic saves he was forced to make that kept his team in it.
The Vipers will look to sweep the season series with the Cowichan Valley Capitals Saturday night at the Island Savings Centre. It is a loud and rambunctious crowd and the Vipers will have to be as good as they were in 42 minutes of the game Friday night in order to have success. You can catch all the action starting at 6:45 on 107.5 KissFM.
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