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B.C. Division, Insight, WHL Playoffs

Phillips finds a way to get it done -Victoria Royals push the series to Game 7

Written by Ryan Sinclair on

Just find a way.

That’s what Victoria Royals captain Matthew Phillips said they would have to do for a victory in Game 6.

After a 5-3 loss in Game 5, Phillips said post-game “Just find a way. It might not be pretty. It’s gut-check time, play the best that you can.”

That way ended up coming via Phillips himself, and it was indeed pretty. The Calgary Flames prospect had a monster game that included two goals and two assists, including setting up the overtime game winner by  Noah Gregor. On the defensive side, Phillips had a couple of blocked shots and was key on the penalty kill, helping his squad seal the victory and force a Game 7 at home.

Coming into action on an Easter Monday matinée, Victoria found themselves in a must win situation. For Vancouver, it was an opportunity to put Victoria away in front of the home fans and win their first playoff series since 2010.

Vancouver came out gunning, with five shots and a few near goals in the first two minutes. Griffen Outhouse had to be ready early as he was tested by the flurry.

After a quality chance in the Vancouver end by Matthew Phillips, the Giants came the other way and got the all important first goal. Giants captain Tyler Benson took the puck at the hashmarks and beat Outhouse blocker-side to make it 1-0 at 7:07.

Vancouver’s offense continued to come at the Royals in waves, getting solid shots through on Outhouse, as well as a couple that hit the post.

Victoria celebrates Hannoun’s nice redirect goal
(Photo: @Fedyck_Fotos)

In the second period, following a tripping penalty Tarun Fizer came out of the box and broke in alone. On the way to the net, he was hooked and unable to get the shot off, which lead to a penalty shot for the Victoria rookie. Fizer was unable to get a handle on the puck after a deke, and it remained 1-0 Giants.

 Dante Hannoun showed great skill by using his foot to redirect a pass from Matthew Phillips into the net at 14:57 to tie it up. The goal stood without review, due to the WHL rule stating that you can kick the puck in, as long as it’s not done in the crease.

The middle frame saw the Royals in penalty trouble, and as a result had to kill four consecutive man-advantages for the Giants. Much like last game where the Royals missed powerplay opportunities, Vancouver could not cash-in.  Victoria had to be happy to come out of the period unscathed, while adding the unusual goal by Hannoun.

Victoria struck quickly to start the third period, scoring just 18 seconds in, off a Vancouver turnover. Hannoun and Noah Gregor worked in the Giants corner to steal the puck and then fed Phillips for the go ahead goal, the first lead of the game for Victoria at 2-1.

Phillips with the unique goal celebration
(Photo: @Fedyck_Fotos)

The Royals added to the lead as Phillips scored his second of the game, a beautiful power play goal to make it 3-1. Phillips carried it into the Giants zone, split the defense and tucked it around the skate of David Tendeck. It was his second goal in less than two minutes as the Royals captain took control for his team.

Ty Ronning responded for Vancouver, as he ripped a shot far-blocker side and in at 6:10. The Giants sniper finally snapped a streak of five games without a goal, his longest of the season.

Benson came through with a big goal and tied it up for the Giants at 14:37. Benson carried the puck, changed direction and flipped a shot from the face-off circle, which beat Outhouse who was dealing with traffic in front.

Vancouver got caught with too many men at 17:28, ending their momentum and giving Victoria a huge chance to finish the game. The Giants were able to hold on and for the first time in the series, these teams headed to overtime.

In the extra frame Benson looked dangerous, almost ending the game, but the puck appeared to hit the post off his stick. Vancouver was applying the pressure, and outshot the Royals 6-to-1 in the extra frame.

However, that single Royals shot proved to be enough as Gregor won it at 7:06 of overtime. Phillips carried it into the Giants zone and then dropped to Gregor, who hammered a one-timer to go far post past Tendeck for the winner.

The combination of Phillips and Gregor were dangerous in Game 6, with four and three points respectively. It was Vancouver’s turn to struggle with the man advantage, going 0-for-5 in the game.

Griffen Outhouse played spectacular, making 40 saves in the game, largely of the acrobatic style.

These two teams now travel back to the island for Game 7, which goes Tuesday night, April 3rd at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena.