The Vernon Vipers got out to a comfortable lead in game 3 of the Interior Division Semi-Finals, but the end was all but that. The Warriors scratched and clawed their way to get within a hair of tying the game before an empty net goal would seal the victory for the home team.
The Vipers struck very early as Brett Mulcahy was able to bank home a rebound just 22 seconds into the game. A few minutes later Demico Hannoun would score on a rebound as well and the Vipers were off and running leading 2-0 after 1.
The Vipers stretched their lead as TJ Dumonceaux knocked in a rebound early in the second to increase the lead to 3-0. Three minutes later Mulcahy would get his second of the night off a goalpost rebound to pace the home team to a very comfortable lead. It seemed like the Vipers were well on their way, but the Warriors had other plans. Just after a few minutes of powerplay time Reid Simmonds would find a loose puck at the side of the net to break the goose egg and get the Warriors on the board. It was 4-1 after 2 period.
The third period was essentially all Warriors. They played with a little desperation and it was effective as Carl Hesler scored less than 90 seconds into the frame. The Vipers I thought managed the clock pretty well, but were caught playing a little soft and sloppy in their own zone and the Warriors would capitalize as Liam Blackburn would finish off a rebound to make it 4-3. Brett Mulcahy quickly restored the two goal lead with his second hat trick in as many nights to make it 5-3. A powerplay goal from Liam Blackburn got the Warriors within one again, but an empty netter from Mulcahy would make the final score 6-4.
My Three Key Thoughts
1) - Momentum Swings - The Vernon Vipers without question were the better team through about 35 minutes. That momentum would get the team out to a 4-0 lead. Late in the second, the Warriors would swing that in their favour and they were the better team for the final 25 minutes. The depleted Warriors roster put everything they could at Austin Smith and continued to climb back into a game that at one point didn't look they had any chance. Hats off to a team that could have folded when getting down by 4, but their vets rallied the troops and we'll see who gets the momentum in game 4.
2) - Brett Mulcahy - This kid can play. Known to score, but not known as a sniper, Brett Mulchay has single hand idly led the offensive charge for the Vipers. With 3 goals in game 2 and 4 in game 3, the Kelowna product is showing why many teams tried to acquire him at the trade deadline. Its not just his scoring prowess, but his ability to win faceoffs and his stellar hockey IQ in the defensive zone. Right now on a line with Persley and Sparrow, the veterans are bringing the energy at every turn and are very deserving of the ice time.
3) - Quite Fortunate - At the end of the day, the Vernon Vipers are happy to have the win and a 2-1 series lead, but they will be unhappy of how close the game ended up being. When you're up 4-0 at any point, with a roster that the Vipers have and the injured roster the Warriors have, you expect to be able to tighten up and finish them off, that wasn't the case whatsoever. The Vipers admittedly weren't very good in their own end and took their foot off the gas once they were up to a 4-0 lead, but credit has to go to the Warriors who didn't quit and forced the issue. It'll be interesting to see if the Warriors build off the fact that despite being shorthanded, they gave Vernon all they can handle. Contrarily, can the Vipers elevate their game beyond the effort of game 3. Game 4 will be fun.
Speaking of game 4, it all begins at 7 oclock at Kal Tire Place. If you can't make it to the rink of course you can tune in on 107.5 KissFM starting at 6:45 with the pregame show.
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