A quick start was the game plan, but I don't think anyone expected how quick the Vipers would strike. It was 3 goals in the opening minute before getting 2 more in the second and 2 more in the third. The Vipers had their legs from the opening faceoff and despite a few minor gaps in the defensive zone, played a very consistent game.
Just 20 seconds into the game, the Vipers would get on the board as Jared Wilson jammed home a loose puck in the crease after a mad scramble in front. Eighteen seconds later Dexter Dancs would pot home a rebound and then just sixteen seconds after that Colton Sparrow snapped home a shot from the right circle and before the game was a minute old, the Vipers found themselves up by 3. That would end the night for rookie AP Kai McDonald. He would be replaced by Dustin Nikkel would was peppered immediately. The Smokies settled down a little bit and seemed to gain some momentum and time in the offensive zone. That pressure paid off as a centering pass was banked in by Colby Livingstone to make it 3-1 after 1.
The Vipers played their most balanced period in the second as they caused many turnovers that led to odd man rushes and breakaways that Dustin Nikkel was up to the challenge on. The Vipers had a nice looking powerplay in the period, but couldn't get anything to convert until it had expired. Jared Wilson creeped in from the point and let a rocket go from the circle to make it 4-1. Three minutes later Dexter Dancs finished off a fantastic 2 on 1 rush to make it 5-1 after 2.
The Vipers very well could have sat on their heels and held on to the lead they had, but Ryan Renz would increase the lead as he would join the rush and put home a rebound on a Dallas Calvin shot. The Smokies had some nice shifts after that, cycling the puck down low before Joel Webb would walk out from the corner and snap it past Smith to make it 6-2. The Smokies then found themselves on the powerplay and a centering pass went in off the defenseman from the stick of Bryan Basilico to get Trail within 3 with 8 minutes to play. The Vipers tightened back up defensively and made sure the clock was the enemy of the Smokies to keep the game in their favour. Dallas Calvin would tack on a late marker as he fired a perfect wrist shot bar down to make it 7-3.
My 3 Key Thoughts
1) - Quick Start - For a team that needed to shake off the bus legs, the start couldn't have been any better. Good things tend to happen when you put pucks to the net and crash for rebounds and thats exactly what happened. It goes without saying that scoring first is crucial to a teams success, but following up with 2 more shifts that resulted in goals before the game was even 60 seconds old was impressive.
2) - Shooting Gallery - The Vipers peppered both Smokie netminders with a total of 50 shots. In the first minute they had 6! Now whether or not that was the strategy coming in with a rookie goaltender at the other end, but its one that this team needs to continue with. Shoot from everywhere and good things will happen. The Vipers have been guilty of trying to make the game too cute at times, but only 2 of the 7 goals on Wednesday night were off the beautiful variety. More shots usually lead to more goals and in the final 6 games of the season I expect the shooting gallery to continue.
3) - Important Points - The two points the Vipers received from that victory were huge as they continue to try distance themselves from the Cents and Silverbacks and push to track down the Warriors and Vees. I found it interesting in what Jason Williamson said in the post game show. He said they are treating the final 7 games as if it were a playoff series. Of course you'd like to win all the games, but if the Vipers at least go 3 and 3 in the last 6 games, the playoffs should be around the corner for this club.
The Vipers now get set for a huge weekend where they travel to Penticton to face the Vees. The season series hasn't been kind to Vernon and they'll look to hand the Vees a little redemption at the SOEC. The game gets started at 7 and you can catch the pre game show starting at 6:45.
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