Vernon, BC: The Vipers scored 3 powerplay goals as they were able to down the Wenatchee Wild 4-2 in Game 3 of the best of 7 series.
The Vipers capitalized on an early chance as Landon Fuller’s point shot made it through traffic to make it 1-0 in the first minute. Just 22 seconds later, the Wild used the same philosophy as a point shot from Noah Lugli ricocheted off a body in front and by Reilly Herbst to tie the game up at 1. From their both teams had their looks in the offensive zone. The game plan appeared simple on both sides with chipping pucks in and moving it back to the blue line for shots to the goal. The Vipers had an opportunity on the powerplay, but couldn’t get the lead back as it remained 1-1 after 1 period.
The Vipers were on their heels early in the 2nd period. They only generated one shot in the first 8 minutes. Reilly Herbst was stellar tracking pucks and keeping them in front of him. On the defensive side the Vipers did a lot of good things, but needed to find a way to get through the neutral zone. The Vipers had to kill off an early penalty and were able to do so to keep it tied 1-1. The Viper powerplay was the difference in the period as Matt Kowalski scored his second of the playoffs then shortly after Ryan Shostak tipped in a point shot to make it 3-1. The two goals were scored 2 minutes and 25 seconds. Shots finished 18-17 VER after 2.
In the third period, the Wild were able to cut the deficit as Nick Cafarelli pounced on a loose puck in front of the goal to make it 3-2 just 4 minutes in. From there both teams worked hard to either extend the lead or make it disappear. Wenatchee had another opportunity on a powerplay but the Vipers were able to get a couple of clears. The Wild would then be caught with too many men on the ice allowing the penalty to run out and the Vipers to get a powerplay. Late in that powerplay Cam MacDonald was robbed by Daniel Chenard to keep the game 3-2. Brian Adams would inadvertently clip Logan Cash with a high stick putting his team shorthanded. The Wild would get the goalie pulled for a 5 on 5 sequence, but the Vipers were able to clear the zone and Connor Marritt hit the empty net to make the final score 4-2.
The Vipers now lead the series 2-1.
Game 4 will be tomorrow night at 7pm at Kal Tire Place.
