Wenatchee, WA, USA: Matt Kowalski scored a late goal and the Vipers threw everything at the net in the final minute, but fell a goal short in a 2-1 loss to the Wenatchee Wild in game 2 of the best of seven series.
It was a chess match in the first period, with both teams feeling the other out. It didn’t lack in the chippy department as both teams engaged in post whistle scrums that typically resulted in both players going to the box. Brett Fudger had a good look on a deflection from the point that grazed the outside of the post.
In the second it was more of the same. Momentum slowed for the Vipers as they were forced into a couple of penalty kills. The PK as it was last night was stellar keeping it scoreless. The Vipers powerplay had a look, but surrendered a shorthanded goal as Brian Adams rifled home a shot on a 2 on 1 to make it 1-0. That seemed to motivate the home team who hemmed the Vipers in their own zone. A late shift saw Ethan Wolthers walk out from behind the net and score his first of the playoffs to make it 2-0 after 2 periods.
The Vipers rallied late as Matt Kowalski buried on a chance in the final minute with the goalie pulled. The Vipers would get Herbst to the bench again, but Daniel Chenard thwarted a last second chance to give the Wild the 2-1 lead and even the series at 1.
The series will now switch back to Vernon for games 3 and 4 on Tuesday and Wednesday night.
Photo Credit – Russ Alman – Digital Media Northwest
