A consistent effort, mixed with timely goals propelled the Vernon Vipers to a 3-2 series lead thanks to a 3-2 win at the SOEC on Thursday night. The Viper top line of Coughlin, Dancs and McNicholas factored in on all 3 goals and Austin Smith made 21 saves on 23 to push the Penticton Vees to the brink of elimination.
Both teams had a good start to the game as they traded chances early. It took just under 5 minutes to get a stoppage in play as the game had some very good pace. The Vipers would get caught with too many men on the ice which resulted in a Vees powerplay. Erik Benoit would bank home a rebound at the side of the net to give the Vees the opening goal for just the second time in the series. That lead was short lived as Michael McNicholas would finish off a two on one just 23 seconds later. The Vipers didn't get many shots on goal in the frame, just 4 after 20 minutes, but were deadlocked at 1.
The Vipers had a much better second period as Demico Hannoun would be robbed in front after a Vees turnover as Hunter Miska came across and made a fantastic save on the North Delta product. That was key as the Vees would capitalize on a rebound in front as Steen Cooper scored his 4th of the playoffs to make it 2-1 Penticton. The momentum would start to shift in the Vipers favour, but not before their penalty kill was tested. With Jared Wilson and TJ Dumonceaux in the penalty box, the Vipers only allowed one shot on goal. They would kill it off and some nice board work allowed Coughlin to walk out of the circle and let a shot right along the ice find its way five hole on Miska to tie it up with just 45 seconds left in the period.
The third was a defensive battle with neither team really pushing the pace as it looked like no one wanted to make the first mistake. The Vipers were at their best at limiting the Vees offensive chances in the third as they would only allow 5 shots on goal. The Vipers were able to capitalize on one mistake by the Vees who couldn't clear and a nice give and go from Coughlin and McNicholas as Coughlin would score his second of the night with just 3 and a half minutes left. The Vees would get a too many men on the ice penalty in the final two minutes and the Vipers would skate away with a 3-2 win and a 3-2 series lead.
My 3 Key Thoughts
1) - Controlled Effort - It was the type of game where the Vipers didn't have too many highs or too many lows. They essentially played the same game for the entire 60 minutes. They responded in timely fashion following 2 Penticton leads. In important games when you get down, its important to keep and even keel. The Vipers didn't panic when behind and seemed to have the confidence in their play to know they could come back. Its that mentality that has seen them won the last two games and in a situation where with one more win they can eliminate the Vees.
2) - Turning Point - There are different points in a game where one could look back and say "thats where the game changed". For me it was the 5 on 3 penalty kill for the Vipers. Vernon was forced to kill 70 seconds of 5 on 3 time and not only did they kill it off, they only allowed one shot on goal. That was key because the Vipers would then tie the game up late in the period. This PK has been Jekyll and Hyde at times, but tonight it was the shift in momentum the Vipers would need.
3) - Top Line Magic - For most of this series, the focus has been on the Mulcahy, Sparrow and Persley line. Well tonight, it was the Coughlin, McNicholas and Dancs show as that line was dominant in the offensive zone. Not only did they factor in all 3 of the Viper goals, but they kept the puck nearly 200 feet from their own goal for the majority of their ice time. This line was getting their chances, but not converting as much as they would like. In Game 5 they were instrumental to the Vipers victory.
The Vipers will look to end the series Friday night at Kal Tire Place. The pregame show starts at 6:45 on 107.5 KissFM
Friday, 21 March 2014
Wednesday, 19 March 2014
Vipers Even Series With 5-2 Victory Over Vees
What a difference a day makes for the Vernon Vipers. A night after giving up a two goal lead and being caught on their heels, the Vipers tightened up when it mattered and really quieted a Vees rally. The Vipers spread the scoring around nicely and will ensure they get another home date scheduled for Friday night.
Just like a night before, the Vipers carried the play to start game 4. They were buzzing around the Vees goal and hitting anything that moved. Not only were they carrying the momentum, they were also generating shots on goal. At one point in the period the shots were 10-2 Vipers which was more than half the shots they generated in game 3. The Vipers scored first for the third time in the series as Brendan Persely fresh off the bench took a pass on the right circle and in full stride snapped a hard wrist shot through a screened Olivier Mantha. The Vees would respond on the powerplay as Brett Beauvais fired a pass to the side of the net where Nic Pierog rifled a quick shot five hole on Austin Smith to tie it up. That score would hold up through 20 minutes.
The second period was the best period for the Vees and saw them take the lead off a crazy pinball play where the puck rattled off the glass bounced to Serratore who was stopped then bounced to Alferd who flipped the puck past Smith. The game settled in through the midway points of the period as both teams were fantastic defensively and both forechecks got in some licks on the defenders. Momentum seemed to change after a gigantic body check from Dylan Chanter on Matt Serratore. A clean, bone jarring check at the Viper line got the crowd and the Viper bench invigorated. Credit to Serratore, he looked woozy, but missed maybe a shift but was back out there for the rest of the game. The Vipers then hemmed the Vees in their own zone and it lead to a point shot from Riley Guenther that went post and in past a screened Mantha and the game was tied. Less than two minutes later the Vipers again would hold the line and after a nice slap pass to McNicholas, the Vipers found themselves up 3-2 after 2 periods.
The pressure was on the home team in the third without question. They desperately needed to hold this lead and even the series and they played like a team that had learned their lesson. They played with energy and were tenacious in their own zone. They limited time and space for the Vees offensive players and were smart at exiting the zone. Just like in game 1, it was Colton Sparrow giving the Vipers the key goal as he would fight of the corner and slip a changeup past Mantha to give the Vipers a crucial two goal lead. Brendan Persley would tack on an empty netter and the final score would end 5-2 to even the series at 2 games apiece.
My 3 Key Thoughts
1) - Consistent Effort - The Vipers had one win under their belt in the series, but I thought this was by far their best all around effort. From the goaltender out, the team just seemed to be on the same page at all times. At times during this series the Vipers had been guilty of letting off the gas pedal and allowing the Vees to dominate in the offensive zone. Tonight was a different story. They out shot the Vees for the first time in the series and kept the top line of Benoit, McClure and Cooper off the board for the first time. The Vipers will need more of the same effort to win the series because they will have to win at least one more time at teh SOEC.
2) - Brad McClure - This guy is a dynamic hockey player. He has the ability to carry a team on his shoulder. This is not meant to call him out, but more put into perspective how good the Vipers played on this night. For the first time in 12 games, dating back to the regular season, Brad McClure was held pointless. He has 24 points in those 12 games which averages to two points a game over that stretch. Thats an incredible streak. The Vipers barely allowed him a sniff in game 4 and ended the point scoring streak. You don't keep a guy like McClure off the score sheet often and the Vipers will have to keep limiting his chances in whats become a best of 3 series.
3) - Defensive Tandem - Its a big honor for defensemen to be tasked with shutting down a teams top line. Tonight it was Riley Guenther and Josh Bryan who were out there almost everytime the Vees top line was out. Not only did they accomplish that feat, they both chimed in with offensive contributions with Riley Guenther scoring the tying goal in the second period and Josh Bryan setting up two goals. At this point in the playoffs you need different guys to step up and tonight it was those two on the defensive and offensive side.
This series has now become a best of 3 with the series heading back to Penticton for game 5. It happens Thursday night at the SOEC and you can hear all the action starting at 6:45 with the pregame show and play by play starting at 7 on 107.5 KissFM.
Just like a night before, the Vipers carried the play to start game 4. They were buzzing around the Vees goal and hitting anything that moved. Not only were they carrying the momentum, they were also generating shots on goal. At one point in the period the shots were 10-2 Vipers which was more than half the shots they generated in game 3. The Vipers scored first for the third time in the series as Brendan Persely fresh off the bench took a pass on the right circle and in full stride snapped a hard wrist shot through a screened Olivier Mantha. The Vees would respond on the powerplay as Brett Beauvais fired a pass to the side of the net where Nic Pierog rifled a quick shot five hole on Austin Smith to tie it up. That score would hold up through 20 minutes.
The second period was the best period for the Vees and saw them take the lead off a crazy pinball play where the puck rattled off the glass bounced to Serratore who was stopped then bounced to Alferd who flipped the puck past Smith. The game settled in through the midway points of the period as both teams were fantastic defensively and both forechecks got in some licks on the defenders. Momentum seemed to change after a gigantic body check from Dylan Chanter on Matt Serratore. A clean, bone jarring check at the Viper line got the crowd and the Viper bench invigorated. Credit to Serratore, he looked woozy, but missed maybe a shift but was back out there for the rest of the game. The Vipers then hemmed the Vees in their own zone and it lead to a point shot from Riley Guenther that went post and in past a screened Mantha and the game was tied. Less than two minutes later the Vipers again would hold the line and after a nice slap pass to McNicholas, the Vipers found themselves up 3-2 after 2 periods.
The pressure was on the home team in the third without question. They desperately needed to hold this lead and even the series and they played like a team that had learned their lesson. They played with energy and were tenacious in their own zone. They limited time and space for the Vees offensive players and were smart at exiting the zone. Just like in game 1, it was Colton Sparrow giving the Vipers the key goal as he would fight of the corner and slip a changeup past Mantha to give the Vipers a crucial two goal lead. Brendan Persley would tack on an empty netter and the final score would end 5-2 to even the series at 2 games apiece.
My 3 Key Thoughts
1) - Consistent Effort - The Vipers had one win under their belt in the series, but I thought this was by far their best all around effort. From the goaltender out, the team just seemed to be on the same page at all times. At times during this series the Vipers had been guilty of letting off the gas pedal and allowing the Vees to dominate in the offensive zone. Tonight was a different story. They out shot the Vees for the first time in the series and kept the top line of Benoit, McClure and Cooper off the board for the first time. The Vipers will need more of the same effort to win the series because they will have to win at least one more time at teh SOEC.
2) - Brad McClure - This guy is a dynamic hockey player. He has the ability to carry a team on his shoulder. This is not meant to call him out, but more put into perspective how good the Vipers played on this night. For the first time in 12 games, dating back to the regular season, Brad McClure was held pointless. He has 24 points in those 12 games which averages to two points a game over that stretch. Thats an incredible streak. The Vipers barely allowed him a sniff in game 4 and ended the point scoring streak. You don't keep a guy like McClure off the score sheet often and the Vipers will have to keep limiting his chances in whats become a best of 3 series.
3) - Defensive Tandem - Its a big honor for defensemen to be tasked with shutting down a teams top line. Tonight it was Riley Guenther and Josh Bryan who were out there almost everytime the Vees top line was out. Not only did they accomplish that feat, they both chimed in with offensive contributions with Riley Guenther scoring the tying goal in the second period and Josh Bryan setting up two goals. At this point in the playoffs you need different guys to step up and tonight it was those two on the defensive and offensive side.
This series has now become a best of 3 with the series heading back to Penticton for game 5. It happens Thursday night at the SOEC and you can hear all the action starting at 6:45 with the pregame show and play by play starting at 7 on 107.5 KissFM.
Tuesday, 18 March 2014
Vees Rally And Take Game 3
For the third straight game in this series, the Vernon Vipers held a 3-1 lead, but for the second straight game the Penticton Vees would mount a come back and win. This game stings for the Vipers who were 6 minutes away from taking a 2-1 series lead. They couldn't hold it and now its the Vees who have a 2-1 series lead heading into a huge game 4.
The Vipers had the perfect start on home ice as they came out flying. The forecheck was great, they were throwing the body around and they were able to score first as TJ Dumonceaux would finish off a 2 on 1 to make it 1-0 Vernon just before the game was 2 minutes old. The Vees to their credit responded quickly as a nice third line shift resulted in Matt Serratore rifling a one timer from the slot through Austin Smith and the game was tied. Less than three minutes later the Vipers would get another odd man rush as Brendan Persley would misfire on the first shot, but center it from behind the red line and bank it in off Hunter Miska and the Vipers led 2-1. Just over two minutes after that on the PP, Brett Mulcahy would find a rebound at the side of the net and the Vipers were up 3-1 before the period was half over. Once the period hit the 10 minute mark however, the Vees seemed to play with a little bit more energy. Fred Harbinson pulled Miska and that seemed to spark them. The first period would end 3-1 Vipers.
The comeback wasn't immediate for Penticton as the Vipers did a nice job of keeping the Vees to the outside. Penticton carried most of the play in the period, but it was a powerplay goal from Brad McClure that would get the Vees within one. McClure would then be penalized for a double minor high sticking penalty late in the period, but the Vees were able to kill it off and the period ended 3-2.
For a good chuck of the third period, I thought the Vipers handled the pressure of the Vees very well. The levee finally broke as Cody DePourcq made a strong move out of the corner and cut in front to slip a puck under Austin Smith and with just under 6 minutes to play the game was tied. The momentum continued to build for the Vees as Matt Serratore would score his second of the game off a rebound to complete the comeback and give Penticton a 4-3 lead. The Vipers had a few chances with the goalie pulled, but Olivier Mantha was able to shut the door as the Vipers fell 4-3 to the Vees.
My 3 Key Thoughts
1) - Another Lead Slips Away - The most frustrating part for this Viper team is the fact that they have led for a good portion of this series, yet find themselves down 2-1 through three games. First periods have not been the issues, but continuing with the full 60 minute effort hasn't been there. You can look at it one of two ways: 1) The Vees pressure is just too much to deal with or 2) The Vipers just aren't keeping the foot on the gas. For whatever reason the Vipers just can't seem to hold onto a 2 goal lead that they get early in games. Its getting close to gut check time. The Vipers know this series could be in their favour, but now have to work their tales off to ensure if they get a lead, they hold onto it.
2) - Goaltending - Another anomaly of this series has been the play of Penticton goaltending through 30 minutes. For the third time in four meetings, the Vees starting goalie has been lifted after give up 3 goals on less than 10 shots. The other side of the coin is that the goalie that comes into the game shuts the door and keeps the team in it.
3) - Home Ice - Kal Tire Place was electric in the first period of game 3. The Vipers fed off of it and carried the flow of play through the first 10 minutes and were rewarded because of it. All year long this team has thrived at home. The Vipers will need that home ice good fortune for game 4 to send it back to Penticton tied up at 2.
Game 4 is set to go Tuesday night at 7 pm at Kal Tire Place. You can hear all the action on 107.5 KissFM.
The Vipers had the perfect start on home ice as they came out flying. The forecheck was great, they were throwing the body around and they were able to score first as TJ Dumonceaux would finish off a 2 on 1 to make it 1-0 Vernon just before the game was 2 minutes old. The Vees to their credit responded quickly as a nice third line shift resulted in Matt Serratore rifling a one timer from the slot through Austin Smith and the game was tied. Less than three minutes later the Vipers would get another odd man rush as Brendan Persley would misfire on the first shot, but center it from behind the red line and bank it in off Hunter Miska and the Vipers led 2-1. Just over two minutes after that on the PP, Brett Mulcahy would find a rebound at the side of the net and the Vipers were up 3-1 before the period was half over. Once the period hit the 10 minute mark however, the Vees seemed to play with a little bit more energy. Fred Harbinson pulled Miska and that seemed to spark them. The first period would end 3-1 Vipers.
The comeback wasn't immediate for Penticton as the Vipers did a nice job of keeping the Vees to the outside. Penticton carried most of the play in the period, but it was a powerplay goal from Brad McClure that would get the Vees within one. McClure would then be penalized for a double minor high sticking penalty late in the period, but the Vees were able to kill it off and the period ended 3-2.
For a good chuck of the third period, I thought the Vipers handled the pressure of the Vees very well. The levee finally broke as Cody DePourcq made a strong move out of the corner and cut in front to slip a puck under Austin Smith and with just under 6 minutes to play the game was tied. The momentum continued to build for the Vees as Matt Serratore would score his second of the game off a rebound to complete the comeback and give Penticton a 4-3 lead. The Vipers had a few chances with the goalie pulled, but Olivier Mantha was able to shut the door as the Vipers fell 4-3 to the Vees.
My 3 Key Thoughts
1) - Another Lead Slips Away - The most frustrating part for this Viper team is the fact that they have led for a good portion of this series, yet find themselves down 2-1 through three games. First periods have not been the issues, but continuing with the full 60 minute effort hasn't been there. You can look at it one of two ways: 1) The Vees pressure is just too much to deal with or 2) The Vipers just aren't keeping the foot on the gas. For whatever reason the Vipers just can't seem to hold onto a 2 goal lead that they get early in games. Its getting close to gut check time. The Vipers know this series could be in their favour, but now have to work their tales off to ensure if they get a lead, they hold onto it.
2) - Goaltending - Another anomaly of this series has been the play of Penticton goaltending through 30 minutes. For the third time in four meetings, the Vees starting goalie has been lifted after give up 3 goals on less than 10 shots. The other side of the coin is that the goalie that comes into the game shuts the door and keeps the team in it.
3) - Home Ice - Kal Tire Place was electric in the first period of game 3. The Vipers fed off of it and carried the flow of play through the first 10 minutes and were rewarded because of it. All year long this team has thrived at home. The Vipers will need that home ice good fortune for game 4 to send it back to Penticton tied up at 2.
Game 4 is set to go Tuesday night at 7 pm at Kal Tire Place. You can hear all the action on 107.5 KissFM.
Sunday, 16 March 2014
Vipers Downed 5-3, Series Tied At 1
When it comes to breaking down game 2 of the Interior Division Final, one must look at many different variables. Both teams had legitimate gripes with officials, a two goal lead disappeared late in the second period, the Viper penalty kill was clutch, as was their PP, but at the end of all that, it was the Vees coming out on top of a hard fought battle to win the game 5-3. So lets start from the beginning:
The game started out with nice pace. Both teams were rolling their lines and moving the puck well through the neutral zone. In attempt to establish a forecheck, TJ Dumonceaux would finish a check, unfortunately for the Viper forward the Vee player was in the process of stopping up and he would hit with a check from behind penalty and a game misconduct. There was no intent, but it dealt a big blow to the Viper depth at the center position. The Vipers would kill of the powerplay and despite being out chanced thanks to the PP, the Vipers would score first. Dylan Chanter with a shot from the right point would handcuff Hunter Miska and slide through for his second goal in as many games making it 1-0. That lead was shortlived as Steen Cooper would pot home a rebound to tie it up just under 2 minutes later. Things got a little heated as two straight penalties would be called against the Vees in 34 seconds, that had the home team upset, but when you get dealt a chance on the man advantage you have to make good and Colton Sparrow would do just that to make it 2-1 late in the period.
Things would settle down a bit as both teams tried to re-establish the flow of the game. That seemed to be the case through the first half of the second period before another Vees penalty would result in a powerplay for Vernon. The Vipers would execute a nice passing play allowing Brett Mulcahy to put the puck into the empty net to make it 3-1. Vernon did a nice job of limiting the chances of Penticton after that keeping them to the outside, but as can be the case against a talented squad like the Vees, it doesn't take much for the tide to turn. Steen Cooper would get the Vees within one with a tidy re-direction that just crossed the line to make it 3-2. The Vees then struck again 64 seconds later as they were able to stretch out the Viper D allowing Brad McClure to get the tying goal.
The Vees started the third on a 5 on 3 powerplay and thanks to a few big saves from Austin Smith, the game remained 3-3. Unfortunately, they couldn't gain much momentum from the kill as Riley Alferd drove to the net and just squeaked the puck under the arm of Smith to give Penticton their first lead of the game. Then cue the controversy. The Vees would crash the crease and a loose puck seemed to be controlled by Smith, the next thing anyone knows is the puck crosses the line and the referee points as a goal. From where I'm situated, I have no idea how that crossed the line, but we'll talk about it in my three thoughts. With 14 minutes to play and the Vipers down by 2, the Vees clogged up the neutral zone and limited the chances for the Vipers. The deficit was too much to overcome and the Vees would take game 2 by a 5-3 final.
My 3 Key Thoughts
1) - The Goal - Lets just get it over with, the argument from the Vipers bench was that the puck was gloved into the net. Now I've seen this team play all year long and the coaching staff is usually quite docile on the bench. Its not very often we've seen any of the three very demonstrative. Tonight was different, Kris Mallette was ejected and both Jason Williamson and Dave Robinson were up in arms. Upon review it did look like that goal could've been waved off and that their issue was legitimate. A one goal deficit is much preferred to a two goal deficit and it really affected Vernons ability to try claw back. At the end of the day, nothing can be done but move on. The team will need to shake that off and prepare for a huge battle in game 3 at home.
2) - The Comeback - For the second straight game, the Vernon Vipers found themselves up by a 3-1 score. Unlike the previous matchup, the Vees were able to tie it up and eventually win. I don't think it was how the Vipers played, but more of how the Vees learned from the night before. The cycle game wasn't really working for them, so they found a way to stretch it out and score on the rush. Led by their top line, the Vees struck for two in 64 seconds to tie it up before the intermission, which was huge. Vernon has been very good at holding leads this season, but things can change quickly. The Vipers will learn from what happened in game 2 and make the necessary adjustments just in case the same situation arises later in the series.
3) - Business Is Picking Up - When you strip away the issues both teams had with the officials and the controversy surrounding those plays, what you're left with is two very talented teams who are finally starting to develop a dislike for each other. Game 1 was emotional, but paled in comparison to game 2. Verbal sparring and punches after whistles came to the forefront. Both teams know they deserve to be there and will fight tooth and nail to move onto the next round. If allowed to, these two teams are capable of putting on a stellar show that fans of both teams can truly enjoy.
Game 3 of this series goes Monday night at Kal Tire Place. If you can't make it down to the rink, all the action will be on 107.5 KissFM starting at 6:45 with the pregame show and play by play at 7.
The game started out with nice pace. Both teams were rolling their lines and moving the puck well through the neutral zone. In attempt to establish a forecheck, TJ Dumonceaux would finish a check, unfortunately for the Viper forward the Vee player was in the process of stopping up and he would hit with a check from behind penalty and a game misconduct. There was no intent, but it dealt a big blow to the Viper depth at the center position. The Vipers would kill of the powerplay and despite being out chanced thanks to the PP, the Vipers would score first. Dylan Chanter with a shot from the right point would handcuff Hunter Miska and slide through for his second goal in as many games making it 1-0. That lead was shortlived as Steen Cooper would pot home a rebound to tie it up just under 2 minutes later. Things got a little heated as two straight penalties would be called against the Vees in 34 seconds, that had the home team upset, but when you get dealt a chance on the man advantage you have to make good and Colton Sparrow would do just that to make it 2-1 late in the period.
Things would settle down a bit as both teams tried to re-establish the flow of the game. That seemed to be the case through the first half of the second period before another Vees penalty would result in a powerplay for Vernon. The Vipers would execute a nice passing play allowing Brett Mulcahy to put the puck into the empty net to make it 3-1. Vernon did a nice job of limiting the chances of Penticton after that keeping them to the outside, but as can be the case against a talented squad like the Vees, it doesn't take much for the tide to turn. Steen Cooper would get the Vees within one with a tidy re-direction that just crossed the line to make it 3-2. The Vees then struck again 64 seconds later as they were able to stretch out the Viper D allowing Brad McClure to get the tying goal.
The Vees started the third on a 5 on 3 powerplay and thanks to a few big saves from Austin Smith, the game remained 3-3. Unfortunately, they couldn't gain much momentum from the kill as Riley Alferd drove to the net and just squeaked the puck under the arm of Smith to give Penticton their first lead of the game. Then cue the controversy. The Vees would crash the crease and a loose puck seemed to be controlled by Smith, the next thing anyone knows is the puck crosses the line and the referee points as a goal. From where I'm situated, I have no idea how that crossed the line, but we'll talk about it in my three thoughts. With 14 minutes to play and the Vipers down by 2, the Vees clogged up the neutral zone and limited the chances for the Vipers. The deficit was too much to overcome and the Vees would take game 2 by a 5-3 final.
My 3 Key Thoughts
1) - The Goal - Lets just get it over with, the argument from the Vipers bench was that the puck was gloved into the net. Now I've seen this team play all year long and the coaching staff is usually quite docile on the bench. Its not very often we've seen any of the three very demonstrative. Tonight was different, Kris Mallette was ejected and both Jason Williamson and Dave Robinson were up in arms. Upon review it did look like that goal could've been waved off and that their issue was legitimate. A one goal deficit is much preferred to a two goal deficit and it really affected Vernons ability to try claw back. At the end of the day, nothing can be done but move on. The team will need to shake that off and prepare for a huge battle in game 3 at home.
2) - The Comeback - For the second straight game, the Vernon Vipers found themselves up by a 3-1 score. Unlike the previous matchup, the Vees were able to tie it up and eventually win. I don't think it was how the Vipers played, but more of how the Vees learned from the night before. The cycle game wasn't really working for them, so they found a way to stretch it out and score on the rush. Led by their top line, the Vees struck for two in 64 seconds to tie it up before the intermission, which was huge. Vernon has been very good at holding leads this season, but things can change quickly. The Vipers will learn from what happened in game 2 and make the necessary adjustments just in case the same situation arises later in the series.
3) - Business Is Picking Up - When you strip away the issues both teams had with the officials and the controversy surrounding those plays, what you're left with is two very talented teams who are finally starting to develop a dislike for each other. Game 1 was emotional, but paled in comparison to game 2. Verbal sparring and punches after whistles came to the forefront. Both teams know they deserve to be there and will fight tooth and nail to move onto the next round. If allowed to, these two teams are capable of putting on a stellar show that fans of both teams can truly enjoy.
Game 3 of this series goes Monday night at Kal Tire Place. If you can't make it down to the rink, all the action will be on 107.5 KissFM starting at 6:45 with the pregame show and play by play at 7.
Saturday, 15 March 2014
Vipers Grab 1-0 Series Lead Following 4-3 Win
It was a game taking advantage of mistakes as the Vernon Vipers scored 3 goals in 4 and a half minutes to start the second period and held off the onslaught of the Vees for a 4-3 victory in front of 2071 fans at the SOEC.
The Vees started strong as Ben Dalpe scored just 29 seconds in off a wrist shot from the right circle. The Vipers looked tentative early and battled the puck in their own zone. The Vees had the edge in time of possession and shots, but after the opening goal didn't get many grade A chances. The Vipers on the other hand didn't get many looks offensively, despite two powerplays which looked dangerours but couldn't convert.
The Vipers came out of the intermission firing and carried the play in the first five minutes and it would pay dividends. Just 26 seconds in Dylan Chanter would score his first as a Viper and first of the postseason with a slapper from the point. 37 seconds after that Liam Coughlin would re-direct a point shot from Mason Blacklock to give Vernon a 2-1 lead. Three and a half minutes later Michael McNicholas would steal a puck in the Penticton zone and snap a shot five hole on Olivier Mantha to give the Vipers a 3-1 lead less than 5 minutes in. That would spell the end of the night for Mantha as Fred Harbinson would swap goaltenders and put in Hunter Miska. Ironically, it was the last shot the Vipers would get in the period. It was then Austin Smiths turn to shine as he turned aside all 16 shots he faced and many quality chances as the Vees started to buzz. The period would come to a close with Vernon lead 3-1.
The Vees started the period with urgency, but the goal would come off a lucky bounce as a ricochet off the end boards hopped over Kenny Citrons stick and right to Brad McClure who would out wait Smith and get the Viper lead down to 1. Vernon responded just under three minutes later as Colton Sparrow finished off a fantastic individual effort to drive the net and slip the puck under Hunter Miska to restore the two goal lead. That goal would prove crucial as both teams traded odd man rushes that didn't result in goals. The Vipers would get caught on a defensive miscue and Max Coatta would steal a puck and snap it past Smith to make it 4-3 with less than 4 minutes to play. The Vees threw everything at the net in the final moments of the game just couldn't get the puck to settle as the Vipers would hang on for a 4-3 win.
My 3 Key Thoughts
1) - Turnovers - Both teams were guilty of turnovers that led to goals. There are two ways to look at it: 1) The forechecks were outstanding causing those mistakes or 2) the teams were just uncharacteristically sloppy in their own end. I thought it was a combination of both. For both teams it was an eye opener to be prepared for the forecheck and to exit the zones up the boards instead of up the middle.
2) - Unassisted Aplenty - The final four goals of the game were all unassisted. It was an example of how important burying your chances truly is. Mistakes, lucky bounces and fantastic efforts were the foundation of those goals.
3) - Rebounding - For the second straight time at the SOEC, the Vipers were able to bounce back after giving up the opening goal on the first shot of the game. They were able to do it back on Valentines day with a 2-1 win and again Friday in a 4-3 victory. When early goals go in, its all about how a team reacts. Its easy to get your head down and dwell on it, but the Vipers have the right mentality by quickly putting those goals behind them and refocusing on the game.
Game 2 of the Interior Division Final goes Saturday night on 107.5 KissFM. The pregame show starts at 5:45 with play by play starting at 6.
Wednesday, 12 March 2014
Vipers Eliminate Warriors With 5-0 Victory
What a difference 24 hours made for the Vernon Vipers who missed out on a chance to eliminate the Warriors in game 5, but rebounded with a very nice 60 minute effort to move onto the next round.
The game started off quite slow with the exception of some pressure by the Warriors to start. Austin Smith had to make some pad saves and got to feel the puck early. The Vipers then grabbed some of that momentum and fired a few on Cody Porter. The Vipers would get the first goal of the game as Brett Mulcahy driving to the net had the puck go in off of his mid section.
The middle period overall was an even affair with the Vipers capitalizing on their chances. Just after a key penalty kill ended Michael McNicholas found a loose puck and fed Persley in front to give the Vipers a 2-0 lead. The lead would increase again as Demico Hannoun was stopped on a breakaway but TJ Dumonceaux was there to put the rebound in and the Vipers led 3-0 after 40 minutes.
In previous games, the trailing team would come out like a house on fire, but the Vipers pushed the pace to make sure the Warriors couldn't generate much momentum. Liam Coughlin would get the fourth goal of the game off a shot from the right circle. On a powerplay a few minutes later Brendan Persley would re-direct a pass from Colton Sparrow past Porter for his second of the game. That would end it as the Vipers skated away witha 5-0 win and a 4-2 series win.
My 3 Key Thoughts
1) - Finished At Home - The Vipers were clearly disappointed with their effort in game 5, but there was no panic for them knowing their home record was very good. This is a good team on the road, but there is something different about this squad when playing on Kal Tire Place ice. They've got a home ice swagger that is contagious and spreads through all 20 players. They will need that type of home ice effort in the next round of the playoffs.
2) - Austin Smith - Rylan Ferster mentioned in the pregame show that neither goaltender in the series had stolen a game for their respective teams, well that wasn't the case after game 6 as Austin Smith was perfect. He turned aside all 29 shots he faced and seemed to gain confidence with every stop. In his first foray into junior playoffs, he was great at shaking off games that didn't go the Vipers way. Following a loss in the series he gave up 1 goal and a shut out respectively. He will be heavily relied upon in the next round.
3) - Next Up - The road to the RBC doesn't get any easier for the Vipers who now get set to square off with the Penticton Vees. The Vees won the season series, but the Vipers had won the last two matchups in a span of 8 days. The Vees play a lot like the Warriors from an offensive standpoint although they're not quite as injured as the Warriors were. Without a doubt, this series will be a dandy.
Game 1 of the Interior Division Finals will go Friday night at the SOEC. Puck drop will be determined a bit later on. All the action will be on 107.5 KissFM.
The game started off quite slow with the exception of some pressure by the Warriors to start. Austin Smith had to make some pad saves and got to feel the puck early. The Vipers then grabbed some of that momentum and fired a few on Cody Porter. The Vipers would get the first goal of the game as Brett Mulcahy driving to the net had the puck go in off of his mid section.
The middle period overall was an even affair with the Vipers capitalizing on their chances. Just after a key penalty kill ended Michael McNicholas found a loose puck and fed Persley in front to give the Vipers a 2-0 lead. The lead would increase again as Demico Hannoun was stopped on a breakaway but TJ Dumonceaux was there to put the rebound in and the Vipers led 3-0 after 40 minutes.
In previous games, the trailing team would come out like a house on fire, but the Vipers pushed the pace to make sure the Warriors couldn't generate much momentum. Liam Coughlin would get the fourth goal of the game off a shot from the right circle. On a powerplay a few minutes later Brendan Persley would re-direct a pass from Colton Sparrow past Porter for his second of the game. That would end it as the Vipers skated away witha 5-0 win and a 4-2 series win.
My 3 Key Thoughts
1) - Finished At Home - The Vipers were clearly disappointed with their effort in game 5, but there was no panic for them knowing their home record was very good. This is a good team on the road, but there is something different about this squad when playing on Kal Tire Place ice. They've got a home ice swagger that is contagious and spreads through all 20 players. They will need that type of home ice effort in the next round of the playoffs.
2) - Austin Smith - Rylan Ferster mentioned in the pregame show that neither goaltender in the series had stolen a game for their respective teams, well that wasn't the case after game 6 as Austin Smith was perfect. He turned aside all 29 shots he faced and seemed to gain confidence with every stop. In his first foray into junior playoffs, he was great at shaking off games that didn't go the Vipers way. Following a loss in the series he gave up 1 goal and a shut out respectively. He will be heavily relied upon in the next round.
3) - Next Up - The road to the RBC doesn't get any easier for the Vipers who now get set to square off with the Penticton Vees. The Vees won the season series, but the Vipers had won the last two matchups in a span of 8 days. The Vees play a lot like the Warriors from an offensive standpoint although they're not quite as injured as the Warriors were. Without a doubt, this series will be a dandy.
Game 1 of the Interior Division Finals will go Friday night at the SOEC. Puck drop will be determined a bit later on. All the action will be on 107.5 KissFM.
Tuesday, 11 March 2014
Vipers Fall 4-1 To Warriors In Game 5
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.
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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