The Vipers erased two, one goal deficits for the second time in as many games as they used a three goal second period to defeat the Alberni Valley Bulldogs 4-2. Four different Vipers found the back of the net and Ty Taylor turned aside 30 shots for his 20th win of the year.
The Bulldogs set the pace in the early going as they had a 4-0 shot advantage in the first few minutes of the game. Most of those shots were from the outside as Taylor had no trouble with them. The Vipers found their legs and it resulted in a few good shifts in the offensive zone. The Bulldogs transition game drew them a powerplay and were able to take advantage as Cole Poliziani potted home his 9th of the year after a wrap around from Julian Benner. The Vipers had a good response after the media timeout as they drew even after a rebound onto the tape of Connor Marritt was put home. The Vipers killed off a late powerplay but would take one at the buzzer to start the 2nd period in a 1-1 tie, but down a man.
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The Bulldogs took advantage of the early powerplay as Julian Benner scored his 2nd of the year on a wrap around to make it 2-1 Alberni Valley. Like a night before, the Vipers rallied as Mitch Andres slapped a point shot through for his 2nd of the year to tie the game up. Jimmy Lambert gave the Vipers their first lead of the game after a goal was disallowed. He snapped home his 17th of the year. Derek Brown kept his great play going as he scored his 5th of the year off a set up from Jordan Sandhu. That would end the night for goaltender Brock Lefebvre, John Hawthorne would replace him and shut the door the rest of the period as the Vipers took a 4-2 lead into the dressing room after 2 periods.
The Vipers were able to tighten up in the third, but the Bulldogs really pushed to cut the deficit. Ty Taylor had to make a handful of good saves, but so did Hawthorne at the other end as the Vipers tried to extend their lead. Despite a late flurry from the Bulldogs, the Vipers held on for a solid 4-2 win in front of 2000 fans at Kal Tire Place.
The Vipers are on the road for a Sunday matinee in Trail to take on the Smoke Eaters.
