The Vernon Vipers nearly scored on their first shift of the game as Michael McNicholas rang a shot from the slot right off the iron. The Vipers would score first for the third straight game as Colton Sparrow would bang home a loose puck at the side of the net. Key on that goal was traffic in front of Desautels, the Warrior netminder didn't see it until the last moment and couldn't steer the rebound where he wanted it. At the 14 minute mark was where some controversy snuck into the game. I'll speak more about it in my three thoughts, but Andy Desautels was crashed into which resulted in an incidental contact play, where the goal was called off. Unfortunately for the Warriors, Desautels was shaken up and would leave the game with an upper body injury and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out which injury it truly is. Cody Porter would come in relief and play very well and be tested early. Late in the frame the Vipers would get a 2 on 1 rush which Sparrow would successfully finish off to give the Snakes a 2-0 lead after 1 period.
It was a pretty even middle period with both teams getting chances. The save of the game came from Austin Smith as he somehow kept a wraparound attempt from his belly as he got the blade of his stick on it and kept it on the line. The Vipers anemic powerplay would get a chance to go to work for the second time and after some nice passing Coughlin put in his first of the playoffs to make it 3-0.
The Vipers essentially shut it down in the third. They didn't push too much, but played smart defensively. The Warriors pushed the pace and worked the boards nicely and eventually it led to a goal as Kylar Hope made a nice play to the middle of the ice and lifted a backhand over Austin Smith. The Warriors pulled Porter early trying to get back into the game, but TJ Dumonceaux would score into the empty net to make the final score 4-1 and give the Vipers a 3-1 series lead.
My 3 Key Thoughts
1) - Persley, Mulcahy and Sparrow - This line of 20 year olds has been absolutely fantastic. It was Mulcahy in Game 3, but in game 4 it was Colton Sparrow. In an emotional playoff series, you look to your veteran guys to lead the charge and not only are they doing it from a leadership standpoint, they are doing it on the scoreboard. Without question this has been the line that has given the Warriors fits and contributed to getting the Vipers the lead.
2) - Another Injury - I will start by saying depending on who you cheer for will depend on what you thought of the injury to Andy Desautels. The play had Dexter Dancs driving the net to receive a pass in close, he attempted to pull it backhand and as he was heading thru the crease ran into Desautels as he was tryign to bank the puck in. There are two ways to view it. 1) - Its Dancs responsibility to avoid a collision at all cost - I would challenge that by saying if ANY player in this league had a chance to score a goal and risk running in the goaltender, not a single one would give up that opportunity. 2) - It was a hockey play with no intent and its just another unfortunate injury - I watched the footage, my feeling is number 2. Once again I feel some people will see it either of these ways and not be wrong in thinking that. The important thing is the health of the goalie and I sincerely hope that Desautels isn't out for too long.
3) - Vipers Hope To End It In Game 5 - The sign of a team that wants to make a big run through the post season is putting a team away when they have the chance. Given the circumstances, the Vipers do not want to play a game 6 at home. In the playoffs, especially the way its been scheduled, rest will be at a premium and the Vipers will want it as much as possible. Having said that, they will have to be at their absolute best in what will be a very hostile environment.
Game 5 will go Monday at Royal LePage Place in West Kelowna. You can hear all the action starting at 6:45 on 107.5 KissFM.
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