This game and this series had a little bit of everything. In this blog post I'll recap game 7 and give an overview of the series as a whole. Game 7 was an emotional and dramatic affair with ups and downs for both clubs. In the end it was a monumental comeback by the road team to equalize and win in overtime to take the series and the division title by a score of 4-3.
It was no surprise with the largest crowd of the series at the SOEC, that the home team would come out flying. Both teams in the first minute or two had great jump and energy, but it was the Vees who capitalized first as Ben Dalpe snapped home a shot from the bottom of the circle at full speed to get Penticton up 1-0. The Vipers responded just 16 seconds later as Brett Mulcahy re-directed a point shot through Olivier Mantha to tie it up. Both teams traded chances in the remaining 17 minutes, but the score remained tied after 1.
I thought the Vees were a tad sharper in the second period and seemed to put an emphasis on getting speed through the neutral zone. That would directly result in the go ahead goal as Cody DePourcq put home a nice pass from Brad McClure to make it 2-1 Penticton. The Vipers had a glorious chances short handed as TJ Dumonceaux broke in but clanged iron. The Vipers also had a disallowed goal as Tyler Povelofskie bumped Olivier Mantha as Persley put the puck in, but it was ruled incidental goalie contact. No penalty and no goal, which upon further review seemed to be the right call. The Vipers seemed like they just wanted to get to the intermission down by a goal and regroup, but the Vees caught the Vipers off a beautiful move by Erik Benoit to feed Steen Cooper and late in the period it was 3-1 Vees.
So it all came down to 1 period for the Vipers. Down by 2 goals, it was essentially gut check time and it was interesting to see how each team would handle to the pressure. The Vipers came out of the dressing room with sense of urgency. They carried the flow of play for the majority of the period and when cycling in the offensive zone drew a penalty. This was a key point of the game as the Vipers tried to chip into the deficit. They were able to get within one off a nice pass from Michael McNicholas to Colton Sparrow at the near post and he made no mistake making the score 3-2. It wasn't at that score very long as a shot and a rebound found its way to Brett Mulcahy and he elevated the puck over Mantha to tie the game up at 3. Nothing else was solved in regulation and this game was destined for OT.
It wouldn't be a long OT as the Vipers would score 2 minutes into it as Dancs spun the puck in front to Michael McNicholas who snapped it by a surprised Mantha to give the Vipers the comeback win, the series win and a BCHL Interior Division Title.
My 3 Key Thoughts
1) - Perseverance - Jason Williamson made a great point in the post game show, saying it would be easy for the team to just fold it up and get ready for the RBC, but the goal from this team has been the same from the get go. They want to earn their way in. They pushed the pace and capitalized on their chances. I have yet to see quit in this team and they demonstrated that in game 7.
2) - Hockey Fans - Between game 6 and 7 that players got to play in front of over 5000 people total. That is a huge number. I know for a fact that the players from both teams appreciated it and it motivated them to do everything they could to win for their respective fans. The fans were treated to a great game in game 7. How often do people get to say they watched an overtime in game 7? It was a very special moment for everyone involved.
3) - Playoff Hockey At Its Finest - I'm going to outline a series recap further down the blog, but when you think of playoff hockey at any level, this series had a little bit of everything.
Series In Review
Game 1 - Vernon 4 Penticton 3 - SOEC
Game 2 - Penticton 5 Vernon 3 - SOEC
Game 3 - Penticton 4 Vernon 3 - KTP
Game 4 - Vernon 5 Penticton 2 - KTP
Game 5 - Vernon 3 Penticton 2 - SOEC
Game 6 - Penticton 2 Vernon 0 - KTP
Game 7 - Vernon 4 Penticton 3/OT - SOEC
This was a series that seemed to defy logic at times. The team that scored first only won twice. That stat in itself is an anomaly. Also for two teams who were very good on home ice, each side only won once at home. Their were numerous blown leads as neither team through most of this series seemed comfortable while ahead. Either that or the team that was trailing was extremely comfortable.
This is a rivalry that was renewed for the first time in a few years and seemed to pick up right where they left off. Both teams have immense respect for each other and it showed in the intensity. Both coaching staffs really tried to match lines and do anything to get the advantage with last change. It was an even matchup that could have gone either way.
I felt the Vipers played with a chip on their shoulder. The Vees didn't take them lightly at all, but not too many people thought the Vipers would be in that situation. That was the motivating factor for Vernon as they relished the underdog role.
My 3 Stars For The Series
1) - Persley, Sparrow, Mulcahy - After all of the production this line put up in round 1, it would be hard for that line to get anywhere near those point totals. They didn't produce as much, but they were instrumental in the Vipers success. Not only were they able to produce, but on most nights were able to limit the Vees top line. The Vees are going to get their points, they are too good not to, but limiting their production is a victory in itself and those 20 years olds were able to do that.
2) - Brad McClure - He may be the most dynamic player in the BCHL. Watching him 7 games in row, you truly get the sense of how special of a player he is. He has the ability to carry his team if they need it and generates chances from no where. Having talked with people around the Vees organization, its not just his contributions on the ice, but off as well. Its not the way they wanted to go out, but he and the rest of the Vees moving on should hold their heads high as they move on to whatever comes next.
3) - Austin Smith - Considering he made his playoff debut against West Kelowna in game 1 of the Semi-Finals, he has played every minute in goal for the Vipers. It can't be easy to make your first appearance in the playoffs in your final year of junior, but he truly seems to be thriving under these circumstances. He has been rock solid in all 13 games he's played. Shaken off the tough goals and made the saves he's supposed to make and even some of the ones he shouldn't be making. Good goaltending is crucial to a successful playoff run and in the Interior Division Finals, I felt Smith was a bit better than the Vees goaltending.
The Vipers now find themselves in the BCHL Round Robin to determine the final two teams for the BCHL championship. They will be in action Friday night in Victoria to face the only top seed remaining. All the action is on 107.5 KissFM starting with the pregame show at 7 and play by play starting at 7:15
No comments:
Post a Comment