For anyone who could not attend or watch tonight’s Vipers game here are my thoughts and views from tonight’s game. You may agree or disagree but we all have our own view and opinion on any game we watch. This is my opinion and my thoughts on how I saw tonight’s game. I try to be unbiased and give a fare recap on both sides. Thanks for stopping by & visiting my blog.
I was at tonight's Round Robin Game 2 as Vernon defeated Coquitlam 6-1 in front of 1,912 fans at Kal Tire Place.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Austin Smith
Coquitlam: Gordie Defiel
1st Period: The Vipers got the puck deep in the Express zone and just thirty four seconds into the period, Colton Sparrow from behind the goal setup Brendan Persley in front who was stopped by Gordie Defiel who made a big save in the opening seconds keeping this game scoreless. Coquitlam would come back with a strong cycle and forecheck downlow just minutes into period, moving the puck well the Express had the Vipers back on their heels but couldnt get pucks to the net, before Vernon was able to settle down and get out of their own end without giving up the games first goal. Five minutes in Liam Coughlin fed Michael McNicholas in the high slot on a odd man rush but Gordie Defiel come across making another huge save keeping Coquitlam in the game early. Vernon all over the Express early outshooting Coquitlam 4-0 early. The Express needed almost six minutes to record their first shot on goal before some pushing and shoving in the Vernon zone, several players got involved in and around the Viper goal giving Coquitlam the games first powerplay. But with just one shot on the man advantage the Vipers were able to kill off the penalty as the Express struggled to really get much of anything going. Just over a minute and a half later the Vipers would get their first powerplay. Dexter Dancs one on one just got by his defender ripped a low shot that just missed the far corner. The Vipers with some good puck possesion would open the scoring after Jared Wilson's shot from the point was stopped by Defiel before Liam Coughlin jumped on the rebound in front banging home the games first goal, giving Vernon a 1-0 lead at 11:46 Wilson & Demico Hannoun collected the helpers. On the next shift the Express come very close to tying the game after a scrambe in front of Austin Smith, a shot from in close got through Smith before Colton Sparrow cleared the puck from the blue paint. The Vipers would head right back on the man advantage on the following shift. Brendan Persley was stopped in front towards the end of the powerplay as Coquitlam would kill off the minor. A minute and a half later Coquitlam would get their second shot with the powerplay late in the period. The Express with just one shot come very close to tying the game once again after Ryan Rosenthal beat Austin Smith late on the man advantage but hit the crossbar as Vernon with another good penalty kill would kill off the penalty. Just as the powerplay expired the Vipers would grab a two goal lead just twenty seconds later. Dylan Chanter setup Michael McNicholas in front who couldnt connect on the pass, before Gordie Defiel tried playing the puck wich went in and off himself and into the back of the net giving Vernon a 2-0 lead on a lucky break for the Vipers at 18:46 Chanter was credited with the goal. McNicholas and Dexter Dancs with the assists. The Vipers with a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes of play. Off the opening faceoff Vernon was ready to go and come out hard. The Vipers outshooting the Express 4-0 early outplayed Coquitlam for most of the entire period. Gordie Defiel made some good saves keeping the Express in the period. Vernon outshot Coquitlam 11-5.
2nd Period: The Express turned their game around, were the team that come out hard early and often. The Vipers looked a little sluggish early didnt seem to have their feet moving as Coquitlam with some good early pressure had the Vipers back on their heels. Austin Smith made a nice save off Canon Pieper early before the Express would get an early powerplay. Vernon's penalty kill has been very good all season went to work early on the penalty kill. Brett Mulcahy with some hard work along the boards, won the battle for the puck broke down the left wing setup Colton Sparrow who was going hard to the net was able to get a shot off on the breakaway but couldnt beat Express starting goaltender Gordie Defiel who made a big save shorthanded. The Vipers with a strong penalty kill would kill off the minor. Just over two minutes later the Vipers would get their third man advantage but would struggle making several mistakes as Coquitlam was able to kill off the powerplay. The Express looked much better in the first half had some jump, took it to Vernon and outplayed the Vipers but couldnt generate alot of chances. With six and a half minutes left Ryan Renz's point shot was redirected in front by Logan Mick who just missed the top corner as Vernon come close to grabbing a three goal lead. The Vipers slowly started to come on a little in the second half, were able to slow down Coquitlam a bit and get some play in the Express zone. Late in the period Ryan Rosenthal with a hard working shift come down the right wing along the boards went around the Viper goal just about beat Vernon starting goaltender Austin Smith on the wrap around as the puck was just lying on the goal line with Smith sprawled out. Smith and the Vipers were lucky no other Express players were able to get to the front of the net quick enough to bang home the puck before the whistle went, as a scrum would form in and around the Viper net as several players were pushing and shoving after the whistle. Rosenthal went to the bench and needed some attention by the trainer but seemed fine and would stay in the game. The Vipers got a little too laid back in the final few minutes as Coquitlam turned up the pressure forced Austin Smith into making a few tough saves as the Express with a late surge were looking to get on the scoreboard. Vernon was up 2-0 after 40 minutes of play. The Express looked much better, turning things around the middle frame come out hard, really pushed early with some good pressure didnt get alot of great opportunities. The Vipers looked sluggish and back on their heels early to start the period were outplayed most of the 2nd made several mistakes and turnovers through out the period. Coquitlam with a strong period couldnt get on the board outshot Vernon 12-8.
3rd Period: The Vipers would get the play in deep off the opening faceoff couldnt get back quick enough to defend as the Express would get within a goal just fourty six seconds into the final frame. Austin Smith made a nice save off Brendan Lamont on an Express odd man rush but didnt cover up the rebound as the Vipers defence left Smith out to dry before Bo Pieper jumped on the rebound putting it upstairs over Smith at :46 Lamont and Canan Pieper picked up the helpers. This goal seemed to give Coquitlam some life and early momentum as the Express come back with a strong push in the opening few minutes. Vernon now just up by a goal were back on their heels. The Express with some good early pressure were looking for the game tying goal looked strong early. With no real quality chances the Vipers would catch the Express on an icing play and get rewarded. Vernon won the draw, Logan Mick setup Riley Guenther who's point shot beat Gordie Defiel who may have been screened on the play put the Vipers up 3-1 at 6:22 Mick and Josh Bryan with the assists. After Coquitlam got on the board early, had the early momentum and pressure seemed to lose it all after the Vipers third goal seemed to take a bit of the wind out of their sails. Coquitlam didnt quit but the Vipers seemed to gain some momentum after the third goal as both teams played hard. Up by two goals the Vipers playing things simple, got the puck-play in deep, played the old dump and chase game for alot of the third. Just past the halfway mark, Bo Pieper with a chance in close couldnt beat Smith before Vernon come right back on an odd man rush, Demico Hannoun setup TJ Dumonceaux at the side of the net who couldnt beat Defiel in tight. A minute later Brett Mulcahy was stopped in front on a bang bang play as Vernon seemed to get stronger as the period went on as the Vipers slowly started to carry a slight edge in play in the second half before grabbing a three goal lead. Liam Coughlin spotted a wide open Dexter Dancs who setup Michael McNicholas on a two on one, McNicholas waited before going upstairs on Gordie Defiel who come sliding across the crease couldnt stop McNicholas who put Vernon up 4-1 at 13:25 Dancs and Coughlin with the helpers. Austin Smith was forced to make several tough saves through traffic as the Express battled hard come back with a few good quality chances couldnt capitalize. Late in the period Mason Blacklock lead the Vernon attack with a three on two rush as the Vipers couldnt connect on their passing. With time winding down the Express defence were jumping into the rush as the Vipers were able to capitalize with several odd man rushes in the final minutes. Colton Sparrow would give Vernon a 5-1 lead at 19:11 after the Vipers moved the puck around down low were able to get a scramble in and around of the goal before Sparrow banged the puck home. Brendan Persley & Brett Mulcahy with the assists. Just fourty seconds later Liam Coughlin setup Dexter Dancs on a three on one giving the Vipers a 6-1 lead at 19:49 Coughlin with the assist. The Vipers would put the Express away in the second half improving to 2-0 in the three team Round Robin Tournament after a 6-1 victory. The Express with a quick goal to start the 3rd made the game very interesting as Coquitlam come on strong early couldnt hold off the Vipers before giving up four third period goals. The Vipers seemed to gain momentum and get stronger as the period went on played a much better period. Coquitlam outshot Vernon 13-11.
Top Players: (Vernon)
Josh Bryan (1 assist) I thought played a strong defensive game all night. Bryan who has been one of if not the Vipers best d-man these playoffs was very solid tonight.
Riley Guenther (1 goal) Had a very solid game on the Vernon backend. Guenther who was a huge addition to the Vipers lineup this season has been very solid all season. Guenther was very good on the backend makes things look very easy.
The line of Dexter Dancs (1 goal & 2 assists), Michael McNicholas (1 goal) & Liam Coughlin (1 goal & 2 assists) was very strong. This line was the Vipers best unit going this evening. Coughlin had a very strong game, was all over the rink tonight. Skating hard, had several good looks and opportunities was very hard to contain. Dancs and McNicholas were also very good, Dancs can really skate, really opens up the ice and McNicholas really reads and sees the ice well, always seems to be open for a scroing opportunity.
The line of Brett Mulcahy (1 assist), Colton Sparrow (1 goal) and Brendan Persley (1 assist) was also very good. Mulcahy had some looks and atleast two chances was going to the net, while Sparrow played very well at both ends of the rink. Sparrow who has really impressed me has played his best all season come these playoffs.
Dylan Chanter (1 goal) I thought had a strong game, jumped up into the play-rush was physical & strong on the blueline.
Austin Smith (29 saves) Has really come to play these playoffs, been one of the better Vipers. Made some good saves but also made some very tough saves through traffic. Smith seems very confident dosnt give out the big rebounds has really formed into playoff mood playing his position well, makes the first save not giving the oppostion a second opportunity.
Game Thought's: (Vernon)
The Vipers improve to 2-0 at the three team Round Robin Tournament have won three straight after a 6-1 win tonight. I thought the Vipers got off to a quick start, got on the Express early and never backed down. Give Vernon credit, they knew Coquitlam has been over for just over a week and jumped on the Express early. The Vipers who played Friday were in game form and took advantage of a Coquitlam team that may have been a bit rusty and not as sharp. Vernon with a very strong opening twenty minutes of play really had Coquitlam back on their heels most of the 1st period outplayed the Express in the 1st and 3rd periods. The Vipers only let down was the middle frame after being outplayed most of the 2nd period the Vipers looked a little sluggus, back on their heels didnt seem to have their legs going early made way too many mistakes. Coughing up the puck, making poor judgement plays were getting too fancy and not keeping things simple. Vernon was lucky the Express didnt capitalize on their mistakes and get back into the game. The Vipers gave up an early goal to start the 3rd but seemed to settle down after Coquitlam come out with a strong push early. The Vipers third goal really seemed to change the pace of the period, gave Vernon some momentum as the Vipers looked to get stronger as the period went on. I thought Vernon played much better in the 3rd scoring four goals really put the pedal down and put the Express away. Austin Smith also made some good-tough saves through traffic, one of these shots-goals goes in and it may be a different hockey game. The Vipers playing dump and chase in the third didnt sit back and allow the Express to really get back in the game. Overall I thought Vernon was the better of the two teams and outplayed Coquitlam in the 1st and 3rd periods.
Top Players: (Coquitlam)
Marc Biega played a strong game on the Express blueline. I thought Biega was one of if not Coquitlam's best d-man this evening. A good skater, really likes to move the puck, get involved in the rush, reads and sees the ice very well.
Bo Pieper (1 goal) Had a very strong game, had several good opportunities got the Express on the board early to start the 3rd was buzzing in and around the Vernon goal all night.
Ryan Rosenthal was Coquitlam's best-most dangerous player all night. This kid was all over the rink, can really hustle-skate. Moves the puck well, hard to contain and knock off the puck was buzzing, adds alot of jump and energy to the lineup had some good chances was very dangerous.
Gordie Defiel (24 saves) Didnt get alot of help from his defence in the 3rd played well even though giving up six goals. Defiel was very good in the opening period making nine saves kept the Express in the game early or Vernon could have easily been up three or four goals atleast. I dont think you could fault the kid on any of the six goals.
Game Thought's: (Coquitlam)
After being off for just over a week the Express got off to a slow start. The Vipers were all over Coquitlam early and often as the Express couldnt get any real zone time in on the Vipers. The Express with a real hard working, forecheck and cycle in the opening few minutes couldnt get pucks to the net or create any real offensive chances all period fell behind 2-0. Giving up that second goal late in the 1st was a big blow, as Coquitlam could never seem to recover and even though did get within a goal in the 3rd, couldnt tie the game. Coquitlam rebounded with a much better and stronger performance in the 2nd but didnt generate alot of great chances. The Express couldnt capitalize on Vernon's turnovers and mistakes were still down by two heading into the 3rd. An early goal got Coquitlam to within one looked good, had the Vipers back on their heels couldnt get the tying goal before giving up the third goal on an icing play. This goal-play seemed to take the wind out of the sails of the Express as Coquitlam still battled hard, come back with a few good chances couldnt hold off the Vipers attack, giving up four third period goals. The Express couldnt capitalize on some of their chances and needed to try and get more bodies in front of Austin Smith. Smith and the Vipers gave up very little if any second opportunities, as Smith made the first save before holding on for the whistle. Coquitlam needed to be a little more hungrier for the front of the net, and cause some havoc for Smith. I thought both goaltenders played well. Vernon now at 2-0 leaves the Express and Victoria at 0-1. Here's a question..... If either Victoria or Coquitlam go winless this week do the Vipers & Grizzlies still have to play this coming weekend? As either Coquitlam or Victoria would be 0-3 and there would be no point in playing in Vernon come Saturday.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Mark Hamilton (Injured)
Kenny Citron (Injured)
Coquitlam:
Anthony Gardner
Cody Boyd
Energy player of the game:
Jackson Cressey
Three Stars:
1st Star: Liam Coughlin (1 goal & 2 assists)
2nd Star: Dexter Dancs (1 goal & 2 assists)
3rd Star: Michael McNicholas (1 goal)
For more on tonight's game visit the BCHL boxscore,
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=1313007&link=bchl
For more on tonight's game and the Coquitlam Express, visit Eddie Gregories Express blog,
http://expressvoice.blogspot.ca/
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