Game 5 was a completely different experience from the previous 4 games in the Vipers/Warriors series. For the first time all series we saw stick work penalties called. Calls that weren't made in the first four game were made many times over in game 5. Another anomaly was no scoring in the opening period. Unfortunately for the Vipers some similar trends crept into the game and it would favour the Tribe on this night.
The first period was a very tidy one for both sides. A few good chances early, then some nice defense and relatively quiet period with not much in the way of extra curricular activity slowing play down. The play would slow, but not until the second period. Both goaltenders had to be solid, yet not spectacular and it looked like we were in store for a prototypical tight checking elimination game with neither team wanting to make a mistake.
Then cue the penalty parade. The Vipers were handed 6 penalties for various infractions and that combined with a nice effort from the Warriors swung the momentum heavily in the home teams favour. Now when presented with opportunities, the good teams take advantage and West Kelowna did. After some nice movement on the PP Kylar Hope was able to heel in a backdoor pass from Jason Cotton to open the scoring. That goal spread more life to the Warriors as they caused a turnover in the Viper zone and David Pope, who had done everything but score in the first 4 games, scored to make it 2-0. Pope wasn't done as on another PP he let a nicely placed wrist shot go from the circle past Austin Smith, who didn't see it for a second and it was quickly 3-0. A nice cycle play from the Warriors had their captain Matt Anholt extend the lead again and after 40 mins it was 4-0.
As we've seen in the series before, the team trailing came out like a house on fire as the Vipers stormed the Warriors. Brendan Persley would somehow find a puck in a wild scramble in front as make it 4-1 just 87 seconds in. The penalty parade started the other way as the Warriors took three straight minor penalties, but the Vipers just couldn't capitalize. It actually took until the third PP before they started to move the puck with urgency. The clock then became the enemy and with some nice shot blocking and good goaltending the Warriors were able to extend their season by at least another day with a 4-1 win.
My 3 Key Thoughts
1) - Adapting - I didn't think the Vipers did a good enough job of adapting to the way the referees were calling the game. Thats not to say the refs weren't doing a good job, but it was called much differently that games 1-4. I thought both teams had some problems adjusting, but in the second period alone the Vipers spend at least half that period short handed. Not every referee sees things the same way and the Vipers are going to have to learn that quickly heading into game 6. Adapting to things you can't control is imperative to a team primed for a long run, we'll see if they learn the lesson tomorrow.
2) - 2 Guys Back - They didn't play big minutes, but they didn't have to. Ryan Ivey and Jason Cotton made their returns to the West K lineup and it seemed just their presence was a boost for a Warrior team that came in hurting. Adding much needed depth up front and on the blue line I thought both players played prominent, yet quiet roles. The Warriors are still extremely banged up and who knows what the game day sheet will say tomorrow, but for a team that needed a boost, West Kelowna received it in the play of those two.
3) - Too Easy - Due to the injury to Andy Desautels, the Warriors were forced to start rookie Cody Porter. He played well in relief in game 4, but was under immense pressure in an elimination game on home ice. He was good, but at times had it too easy. Not much traffic in front and shots from outside. He only had to make 3 saves in the middle period. He may be young and inexperienced, but he is still a goalie that clearly deserves to be at this level. The Vipers have to put everything at the net in game 6 and provide more traffic if they want to beat this young netminder.
Game 6 goes Tuesday night at Kal Tire Place. You can hear all the action starting at 6:45 on 107.5 KissFM.
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