The Vancouver Giants could not hold off the Everett Silvertips and Victoria Royals as they dropped two straight home games this weekend. This also marked the fifth time the Giants have been unable to walk away with a win in the last six games. Despite that, there were positives in both games that Vancouver can build off of for the rest of the season.
Vancouver- 1 versus Everett- 4
On Friday night, the Giants faced off against the US division leading Everett Silvertips in a back and forth game. The game was a heavy-hitting affair that was close to the end. Vancouver never gave up but was unable to hand the Silvertips what would have been their second loss of the season.
The Silvertips saw goals from Aidan Sutter, Matthew Ng, Olen Zellweger and Austin Roest, while the Giants’ lone goal came from Adam Hall. The one thing that stood out from the game was how Everett limited opportunities and blocked shooting lanes. The Giants ended the night with 19 shots and did not seem to have many high danger scoring chances. They took advantage of turnovers and walked away with the victory.
On the Giant’s side, their level of physicality stood out as a positive. The team laid hits every chance they got and ensured the Silvertips would need ice packs after the game. Although they did not win on the scoreboard, they definitely left their mark.
Three Stars for the Giants
Evan Toth- 1 shot
Justin Sourdif- 1 assist, 1 shot, 10/18 on faceoffs
Kaden Kohle- no stat line but was running over players like a freight train.
Vancouver- 2 versus Royals- 3
Victoria stole a win from Vancouver in a last-second thriller. With legends of the past watching, both teams fought in another fun installment of the rivalry. Full credit goes to the Royals, who were able to bump their 12 game losing streak.
The Giants were able to get goals from Fabian Lysell and Justin Sourdif but could not contain former Giant Evan Patrician as he found the winner with less than 15 seconds left in the game. He was able to fight off multiple Giants and bury his first of the season which stood up as the game-winner. All three of the Royals 20-year-old scored as Bailey Peach and Tarun Fizer both found the back of the net.
The Giants did well on the power play and showed determination when it came to crashing the net. They even had a goal taken away due to an offside which resulted from three Giants crashing the Royals crease. In the end, it came down to finishing, which the Giants have had trouble with the last few games. During their last four games, they have only scored five goals. Teams go through slumps like this on occasion, but if Vancouver can keep playing their style of hockey, the goals should start to come.
Three Stars for The Giants
Justin Sourdif- 1 goal, 1 assist, +1, 4 shots, 8/15 on faceoffs
Will Gurski- 21 saves on 24 shots
Evan Toth- 1 assist, 2 shots
Next Game:
The Giants head on the road as they travel down to Portland for the first time this season. In their last meeting, Vancouver won 3-1 so expect the Winterhawks to come out strong looking for revenge. The puck drop is set for 7:00 pm PST at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
