Austin Smith scored 30 seconds into the game and Zac Dalpe did the same just over a minute later as the Penticton Valley First Vees built an early lead and hung on for a 4-3 victory over the Nanaimo Clippers, Tuesday night at the Frank Crane Arena. The win gives the Vees a Three Games to Nothing stranglehold in the Fred Page Cup Final.
Devon Krogh, with his first of the post season, and Zac Dalpe, with his second of the contest, saw the Valley First Vees take a comfortable 4-1 advantage following two periods of play.
As expected, the Clippers didn?t go away easily, rallying for two goals in the third, but unable to complete the comeback.
Penticton goaltender Alex Evin single-handedly prevented the game from going into overtime by making a point blank save with only about two minutes left in regulation time. Evin was named the game?s First Star, stopping 26 of the 29 shots sent his way en route to his 11th playoff victory.
Krogh added one assist to his single tally, while teammate Anthony Perdicaro contributed a pair of helpers.
It didn?t help Nanaimo?s cause losing high scoring forward Brodie Zuk to a checking from behind penalty and subsequent game misconduct early in the second. Add to that, injuries to both Matt Irwin and Andrew Cherniwchan. Irwin finished the game at less than 100%. However, Cherniwchan didn?t return following his incident. As well, Clippers? netminder Michael Garman may have tweaked his knee on Zac Dalpe?s second goal at 12:16 of the middle period. Penticton native Evan Smith took over for Garman from that point on and was flawless the rest of the way.
Although each of the first three games of the series have been one goal decisions, the amazing the Penticton Valley First Vees have now won eight straight playoff games and can capture the city?s first junior hockey championship since 1986 by taking Wednesday night?s Game Four in Nanaimo.
If the Clippers are able to stave off elimination, a Fifth Game would be played on Friday night, beginning at 7:00, back at the Memorial Arena.
TUESDAY NIGHT at NANAIMO
FINAL SCORE: PENTICTON – 4, NANAIMO – 3
Penticton 2 2 0 = 4
Nanaimo 1 0 2 = 3&
