Salmon Arm, BC: Jack Judson scored a powerplay marker in the 2nd and Ben Sanderson scored the OT winner as the Vernon Vipers defeated the Salmon Arm Silverbacks for the second straight game in overtime, 2-1 to take a 2-1 series lead in the best of 7.
In the first, the Vipers jumped on the Silverbacks early getting some quality chances and testing Ethan Langenegger, a theme that continued throughout the game. The Vipers put 10 shots up on the board and could have had more, but the Silverbacks blocked a ton of shots. Connor Marritt had a great chance on the first shot of the game. Logan Cash nearly potted one home on a breakaway. The Silverbacks had a good chance of their own as Justin Wilson was denied by Aidan Porter on a shot from the left wing.
In the second, the Vipers effectively took over the game with time of possession and quality scoring chances. The opportunities came in many different forms as they generated off the rush as well as the cycle game. It wasn’t until a powerplay that the Vipers capitalized as a point shot from Jack Judson made its way through traffic to make it 1-0. That lead would hold up after 2 periods.
In a one goal game, anything can be the difference and despite the shot advantage being in the Vipers favour the Silverbacks drew even as Justin Wilson snapped home a shot midway through the 3rd. For the second straight game overtime was required.
In the extra time, both teams took a smart approach and ripped pucks from all angles at the goal. Aidan Porter who hadn’t been that busy through regulation was under siege turning away 10 Silverback shots. His performance was crucial as Michael Young sprung Matt Kowalski on a two on one. Kowalski’s shot rebounded out to Ben Sanderson and he buried his first of the playoffs to give the Vipers the 2-1 edge in the game and the series.
Here’s the scoring summary:
1ST PERIOD
NO SCORING
2ND PERIOD
VER – Jack Judson (1) – Jagger Williamson (3), Jesse Lansdell (3) – 13:34 (PPG)
3RD PERIOD
SA – Justin Wilson (1) – Hudson Schandor (2) – 10:31
OVERTIME
VER – Ben Sanderson (1) – Matt Kowalski (1), Michael Young (1) – 9:58
The Vipers will return to the Shaw Centre on Wednesday at 7pm for Game 4.
