For the second straight game, the Penticton Vees would strike late, as they defeated the Vernon Vipers 3-1 in game two of the best-of-seven BCHL playoff series.
After coming back from a 3-2 deficit in game one to win in overtime, the Vees were looking to keep their perfect playoff streak going in game two on Saturday night.
The Vipers thought they got on the board first, as Luke Bibby tipped in a goal. However, video review in Penticton’s South Okanagan Events Centre thought otherwise, as the referees judged that he redirected the shot with a high stick.
Undeterred, Vipers forward Georgios Stavrieaneas would score his first of the postseason halfway through the opening frame to give Vernon an early 1-0 lead. Penticton quickly responded less than two minutes later, as it was Zach Stringer scoring his third of the postseason.
After a scoreless second period, Penticton would get goals from James Fisher and Simon Meier in quick succession early in the third, as the Vees would win, 3-1.
Francesco Dell'Elce sets up James Fisher and he makes no mistake to give the Vees the lead! 🚨
— BCHL (@BCHockeyLeague) April 21, 2024
🎙️ @Fraser_Vees #BCHLPlayoffs | @PentictonVees pic.twitter.com/qQRDIYrore
“It was a very impressive 60-minute effort from our group,” said Vees director of hockey operations, Matt Miller. “There really wasn’t any lapses in our game tonight. We played very well defensively, as we didn’t give them much and [we] kept them to the outside for the most part.”
Vees goaltender Andrew Ness was hardly bothered throughout, stopping 20 of 21 shots faced for his third win of the postseason. Ethan David, meanwhile, was barraged for 44 shots, as he took his second loss of the playoffs.
The series now shifts to Vernon for games three and four, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, April 23-24. Puck drop will be later, 8:15 p.m., as the Esso Cup is also taking place in Vernon’s Kal Tire Place.
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