Game 5 vs SA PREVIEW

A lot has happened over the course of the last two games in Salmon Arm and its my apologies for not sharing them all with you. After a big 4-1 win on Monday night with some late game shenanigans, the Warriors could not push the Silverbacks to the brink with a win in Game 4, instead falling to the 'Backs and having the series tied up at two heading into Royal LePage Place tonight.

Game 3 Thoughts:

• Warriors give up the first goal, but that was it. They found a way to get things done in the game and capitalized on the mistakes the 'Backs made. With the opening goal being a mix of luck and Jonathan Desbiens skill, to the bounce off a Silverbacks defender and in on the power play, West Kelowna was at full marks for the victory in that one.
• Matthew Greenfield earned first star honours and deserved them, but Angus Redmond was pretty good as well. He made some big saves when it was 3-1 to keep it close and give his team a chance.
• The 'Backs were shorthanded five times in the third period, and the double-minor for butt-ending to Ayrton Nikkel didn't allow the Silverbacks a chance, as Desbiens buried the 4-1 goal to start the PP.

Game 4 Thoughts:

• The Warriors only played about 20 minutes on Tuesday night, and you can't do that in the playoffs and expect to win. After an opening period which saw a Silverbacks edge in shots, Salmon Arm controlled the majority of the second period as well as West Kelowna stood around watching. A nice goal from the 'Backs made it 1-0, and a gifted breakaway to Ross Heidt made it 2-0. It was the Tribe who showed up in the third, getting within one, but nobody could find the equalizer. 
• Once again, Special Teams goals were hard to come by, as the penalty kills have been super strong in this series (killing off 35 of 40 between the two teams) over four games. 

Game 5 PREVIEW:

• It's the most important game in the series thus far, and arguably as important as a Game 7 when you're in a 2-2 situation. Tonight's game pushes one team to the brink of elimination, and the other just one win from the second round. Yeah, it's intense.
• One area of concern for the Warriors was their play outside of the third period in Game 4. I'd expect that was addressed by the leadership group and the Warriors will be ready to go when the puck drops for Game 5.
• Goaltending will likely be a big key in Game 5, seeing as how each goaltender has played extremely well since Game 2. The goaltenders have been Star #1 each game as well, as after 11 goals were scored in Game 1, a total of 11 have been scored since. 
• West Kelowna's best players are going to need to step it up a notch tonight as well. I thought Quin Foreman looked good in the third period with Liam Blackburn's line, but Jonathan Desbiens will need to be back to his usual self. Bryan Basilico has also been one of the most consistent Warriors forwards along with Kylar Hope, so maybe one of them makes the difference.

It's bound to be a great crowd on hand at Royal LePage Place tonight, so secure your tickets by calling Kim at 250-769-7051! As always, listen live at www.mixlr.com/bchlwarriors