Above Photo: Sophiesphotographys
Duncan, BC ~ A two goal performance from Malcolm Green pushed the Victoria Grizzlies to a 4-1 win on enemy territory in game one of the Coastal Conference Semi Final to take an early advantage in the best-of-seven series.
Victoria started the game on the back foot with the home side pressing them early. It was however the visitors that cracked the scoresheet to break the ice with Chase Pirtle (5) beating Dylan Krick on a wrist shot to the top left corner at 4:44. That was all made possible by a Jordan Bax turnover in the Capitals zone.
Cowichan would continue to press through the middle of the period but again Victoria was able to strike. This time it was Tom Molson (4) on a harmless looking shot from the nearside boards that ricocheted off a Capital and past Krick who was moving to his left while the puck went to his right.
Victoria found the lone goal of the second period with Malcolm Green (2) wiring a puck into the top left corner off the rush and it was 3-0 after forty minutes.
In the third period Victoria would push looking for more but Cowichan was able to pull themselves within two on Hayden Russell’s second of the post season on a one timer from the slot.
That was as close as they would get to being within shouting distance of the Grizzlies who would add one more to rub salt in the wound. It was Malcolm Green with his second of the game after a nice feed from Julian Cull to the Grizzlies hulking forward who snapped a one timer into the top corner for his third of the post season and ice the game for the Grizzlies at 4-1.
Oliver Auyeung-Ashton (4-0-0) was splendid for Victoria, making 39 saves on 40 shots but was also the benefactor of some Capitals missed chances. Dylan Krick made 30 saves on 34 shots in the Caps crease.
Tom Molson was named the third star with a goal and assist while Auyeung-Ashton took home second star. Malcolm Green’s two goal game netted him the first star of the game.
Game two will go tomorrow at 7:00 PM right back at the Cowichan Community Arena with Victoria leading the best of seven Coastal Conference Semi Final 1-0.
