"Well, it wasn't a Picasso:" those are the words Head Coach Aaron Wilbur used to describe his team's 3-2 come-from-behind win in game two in the Tom Shaw Conference Final series against the Delta Ice Hawks.
Clearly, although it was as thrilling of a win as any, the Sockeyes bench boss knew it wasn't the most complete effort his club was capable of. Well, on Sunday, Richmond certainly took game three in their most convincing fashion thus far in this years' installment of the Tunnel Series as Kootenay Alder earned his second shutout of the post season by a 2-0 final.
In fact, interestingly enough, after the Sockeyes began the series not having scored through the first 80+ minutes of hockey before Dean Allison's marker in the second period of game two, it's now Delta who has caught the slump. The Ice Hawks haven't now scored a goal in 100+ minutes.
And while it must be considered that the Ice Hawks are currently hurting without one of their biggest leaders in Anthony Brito, who hasn't played since game one, credit is due where credit is earned: the Sockeyes are playing tremendous defensive hockey.
The first period began a little tentatively, as both teams got settled and tried to find the pace with which game two ended on. Delta, once again, emerged as the team who carried the edge early on. They were throwing more shots towards the net, and seemed to have the better jump in their step. But as is the case in many situations with this Richmond Sockeyes team, one chance is all they need to completely swing the advantage and control back their way. That chance in game two would come midway through the first frame on the powerplay. Dean Allison, would find a loose puck in the slot after some nice movement on the man advantage to pop it up and over Alex Anhert for the second time this series. Allison continues to streak as the undisputed hottest Sockeye weapon in the playoffs - he now has 10 points in 7 games.
The second period was much of the same. Both teams saw a few chances and powerplays open up, but nothing too golden. Neither team wanted to give their opponent to many looks, but when there was an opening, both goalies were up to the task. Kootenay Alder was standing rock solid in the Sockeyes crease, and Alex Anhert was giving his giving his club a chance at the very least.
Penalties were the trend of the third period. Each team would receive back-to-back powerplays generating no lack of excitement as it remained 1-0 Richmond nearing the halfway mark of the period. Spencer Shoen, the Delta forward, would eventually take a high sticking penalty in the offensive zone that would prove costly. On the powerplay for the fifth time in the hockey game, the Richmond Sockeyes would make no mistake of putting this one dangerously out of reach for the slumping Ice Hawks. Jeremy Hamaguchi lifted one top shelf in tight on Anhert for his first in the series to put the Sockeyes up two with ten to play.
The last half of the third frame saw the Ice Hawks scramble for all they could create. They too, would end up on two powerplays, but came up with lackluster efforts at best. Kootenay Alder and his defensemen were everywhere at every angle, taking away shooting and passing lanes, and meeting every peak of physicality the Ice Hawks would try to throw at them. The Sockeyes were stronger on this night.
As the seconds ticked off the clock, you knew nobody would go quietly. The Ice Hawks needed to establish some sort of energy they could carry with them into game four. A light brouhaha ensued at the final buzzer, and consequently four players would be handed 10 minute misconducts: Ryan Cuthbert, Tanner Gattinger, Scott Wessa and Dominic Centis.
It goes without saying, this series is just starting to get good.
Three Stars:
1. Kootenay Alder
2. Scott Wessa
3. Dean Allison
The Sockeyes now jump on the road for game four at the Ladner Leisure Centre on Tuesday night, before re-taking to a lively 'Ru crowd on Thursday night in game five. Puck drop is at 7:30 pm, pre-game at 7:15 on Thursday - catch it all at www.richmondsockeyes.com.
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