The Vernon Vipers continue to fight through inconsistent play to start 2014 and tonight was one of those nights where the effort just didn't seem to be there from start to finish. A sloppy third period would benefit the Cents as they would score three and the Vipers couldn't quite get back into it and would lose 4-1.
It was the prototypical tight checking first period at the Nicola Valley Arena as the Cents and Vipers would remain scoreless. I counted 4 quality chances, two for each team as Kero had to make a save and thank his goalpost, while Austin Smith thanked his post twice. Shots were dead even at 8 and neither team really looked like they had the advantage.
The second however, wasn't a good one for the Vipers as they just seemed to lose their legs and the energy level was lacking. The Cents out hit, out skated and out chanced the Vipers in that period and that seemed to disrupt the Viper breakouts. The Cents would draw first blood of a defensive turnover as Adam Tracey was the recipient of a pass from Rhett Willcox and the Cents led 1-0. A little over three minutes later Jeff Wight would snap a shot passed Austin Smith to make it 2-0. Frustration started to mount for Vernon and they were called for four straight penalties. The Cents would get a late powerplay marker as Diego Cuglietta would get a few whacks at the lose puck in the blue paint to make it 3-0 after 2.
There was one line that was flying all night for the Vipers and those three would be rewarded with a ton of ice time in the third. Tyler Povelofskie, TJ Dumonceaux and Logan Mick had multiple chances throughout the game and managed to maintain their energy level. The played a lot in the third as they tried to chip away, but it was Ryan Renz breaking the goose egg making it 3-1, but that was as close as they would come as the Cents would shut the door the rest of the way and add an empty netter and win 4-1.
My 3 Key Thoughts
1) Tough 2014 - This is not the way the Vipers were hoping or expecting to start 2013, now with a record of 2-3-0-0. There is no question the talent is there, but for whatever reason the effort lacks at times and in this league you can't take too much time off in a game or teams will take advantage. Tonight was a prime example as the second was not well played at all. Its a bit of a head scratcher, but the team will get a chance to shake it off with three games in three nights over the weekend.
2) Road Woes - The Vipers are now 0-4 in their last 4 games away from Kal Tire Place. After getting out to such nice road record, the team seems to struggle with confidence away from home. There is no better time than the present to kick that slump and they'll get two opportunities in tough buildings in West Kelowna and Salmon Arm.
3) Viper Snipers - With the exception of newly acquired Brett Mulcahy, the top Viper offensive players have cooled off after a great end to 2013. Its been three games since the line of Dancs, Hannoun and McNicholas had goals and weren't able to generate much against the Cents. It was at the point where Jason Williamson split up that line and placed Logan Mick on that line hadDancs playing with Povelofskie and Dumonceaux. I fully believe this team is a bounce or two away from getting back to that extended 7 game win streak they had back in October. Its just a matter of consistency.
Another tough task awaits the Vipers as they head to Royal LePage Place for the second time this season on Friday Night. You can hear all the action on 107.5 Kiss FM starting at 6:45.
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