Niko Karamanis scored the only goal of the game 3 minutes into overtime as the Vipers edged the Silverbacks 1-0 and moved on with a 4-0 series win at the Shaw Centre.
The first period looked like a game that featured two teams that were hesitant to make mistakes. Neither team really took unnecessary chances and it was rather defensive. The Silverbacks had the first real opportunity as they had a chance on a 5 on 3. The Viper PK was on point and killed off both penalties. The Vipers had a chance of their own with a pair of powerplays, but couldn’t find the net despite a couple of good looks. Both goaltenders were solid in the first period thus it would end scoreless.
The pace picked up in the second period and so did the penalties. Both teams had quality opportunities thanks to the man advantages, but the PK’s were very sharp. The Silverbacks nearly broke the deadlock as Noah Wakeford somehow couldn’t convert on a rebound from the right circle. The Vipers had a pair of chances as well as Brett Stapley connected with a cross bar. Neither powerplay could convert and the period would end the way it started…scoreless.
In the third both teams fired many pucks at the goal. The teams combined for 27 shots, but again it was goaltending. Kyle Dumba and Ty Taylor dueled in the goal turning aside many chances. The Vipers PK was stellar killing off a 5 minute major penalty and the game remained deadlocked. More chances from the Snakes, but again Dumba was there and this game was destined for overtime.
In the extra period, shortly after a Viper powerplay, Niko Karamanis walked out from the left wing corner and slid a shot five hole on Dumba to end the game and the series.
The Vipers will now welcome the Wenatchee Wild in the next round of the playoffs starting March 16th at Kal Tire Place.
