Successful teams in the playoffs make the most out opportunities.
The Royals were in the favourable spot of having four power plays to Vancouver’s zero in the first period but could not cash in. Instead the Giants struck first and then rode a Victoria collapse in the second period for a 5-3 victory.
The first period saw Victoria getting some high quality chances in the first 10 minutes, however David Tendeck looked on his game.
Vancouver was able to turn a solid fore-check into the first goal of the game. Davis Koch was able to beat Griffen Outhouse along the ice to make it 1-0. That first goal is notable, as in each game so far in this series whoever has scored first has gone on to win.
Although the Giants faced some penalty trouble in the first, Vancouver still had a better first period than in Game 4 where they gave up three goals. Victoria was unable to capitalize on the man-advantages, something they would need to correct in the remainder of the game.
Rookie Giants defender Bowen Byram opened the scoring in the second period with a tap-in at the side of net, as he took a nice back-hand pass from Dawson Holt at 7:28. Just 45 second later Bowen stuck again to make it 3-0, beating a screened Outhouse along the ice. James Malm did a good to cause the traffic in front, not allowing the Victoria netminder to get a clear view of the puck.
Vancouver continued to control the play after the quick two strikes, applying continued pressure. The lead to Jared Dmytriw put the Giants up 4-0, a tip in front while again Outhouse was screened.
Victoria captain took matters into his own hands and got Victoria on the scoreboard at 10:22. Blazing down the wing, Phillips cut inside and was able to carry the puck around Tendeck to make it 4-1. The flurry of three quick goals in a two-minute and 28-second span saw the game busted wide open.
While the Phillips goal seemed to jump-start the Royals, overall it was a forgettable period for the Victoria team. The Royals were only able to muster six shots in the second and were out-scored 3-1 in the period.
The start of the third period saw Victoria’s top line hemmed in their own zone. However the momentum swung again and the Royals were able to get a goal from Noah Gregor. Phillips carried the puck behind the Giants net and found the streaking Gregor for the goal at 7:21.
Vancouver extinguished any Victoria momentum with a nice solo effort by Malm. The Giants forward carried the puck through the Royals defender to tuck it home at 8:43 to make it 5-2.
Dante Hannoun was able to one-time a Phillips pass from behind the net to make it 5-3. While the late game power play goal at 11:41 made things interesting, the hole proved too deep for the Royals.
Vancouver continued to do an excellent job in getting traffic in front of Outhouse, as the Victoria goalie was screened for two of the Giants goals. Victoria defenders continue to have a hard time keeping that area free. “We can do a better job boxing out in front of the net,” said Royals coach Dan Price, “The few times that we haven’t or they’ve gained position, unfortunately it’s gone in.”
Victoria’s hot power play in Game 4, fizzled out on Saturday going 1-for-6.
Victoria is in must-win situation the final two games, in a series where each team has alternated wins. Vancouver is now in the driver’s seat, up 3-2 in the series and headed home to close out the series in front of the home crowd. Game 6 goes Monday, April.2nd at the Langely Events Centre.
GAME NOTES
- With Bowen Byram’s two night, he now has a four game point streak going
- Ralph Jarratt was the recipient of a slash from Matt Barberis late in the first period. Barberis was penalized on the play and Jarratt did not return
- The teams continue to alternate wins in the series. If that trend continues, Victoria is due for a win in Game 6.
