Game 49 Preview - Vipers @ Warriors

It was a steady improvement by the Vernon Vipers last night as they defeated a depleted Trail Smoke Eaters team 5-0.  They didn`t start strong, but sure gained momentum and confidence as the game went on.  Home ice hasn`t really been an issue for this team, but they`ve struggled on the road lately, winless in their last 7 and tonight will put them to the test.  The West Kelowna Warriors come in having lost last night in double OT in Merritt.  Their 12 game unbeaten streak is over, but this team has been red hot of late and a key reason is their powerplay.  Before the calendar changed, their PP was 15th in the league, now comes in 7th.  These two teams played 2 weeks ago in this building, which was a very entertaining hockey game.  Tonight should be no exception.

Season Series - September 17 - West K 5 Vipers 3 - Royal LePage Place
                      - November 8 - Vipers 5 West K 3 - Kal Tire Place
                      - November 23 - Vipers 2 West K 2 - Kal Tire Place
                      - December 18 - Vipers 3 West K 1 - Kal Tire Place
                      - January 17 - West K 5 Vipers 3 - Royal LePage Place

Vernon Vipers

Record - 24-15-4-5 - 3rd in the Interior Division

Home Record - 14-5-3-3          Away Record - 10-10-1-2

Leaders - Goals - Brett Mulcahy (26)
             - Assists - Michael McNicholas (37)
             - Points - Michael McNicholas (58)

Goaltending - Austin Smith - 27 GP - 13-8-3-2, 2.65 GAA, .916Sv%
                   - Danny Todosychuk - 23 GP - 10-6-1-2, 3.06 GAA, .903Sv%

Special Teams - Powerplay - 16th in the league - 27 for 177 - 15.25%
                       - Penalty Kill - 7th in the league - 167 of 203 - 82.27%

West Kelowna Warriors

Record - 28-12-3-3

Home Record - 14-8-1-0             Away Record - 14-4-2-3

Leaders - Goals - Jason Cotton (21)
             - Assists - Seb Lloyd (31)
             - Points - Jason Cotton (49)

Goaltending - Andy Desautels - 40 GP - 24-9-2-2, 2.35 GAA, .917 Sv%
                   - Cody Porter - 10 GP - 4-2-1-1, 3.99 GAA, .855 Sv%

Special Teams - Powerplay - 7th in the league - 39 for 206 - 18.93%
                       - Penalty Kill - 16th in the league - 140 of 183 - 76.50%

The standings are very close and with the Vipers having played more games tonight is crucial.  They need to get back to what made them successful on the road and that is a gritty and greasy road game.  All the action starts at 6:45 on 107.5 KissFM.