BOISE, ID – Where would any of us be without sports clichés? Certainly the Victoria Salmon Kings are doing all they can to prove prognosticators wrong in this series. A nearly one dimensional offense led by Wes Goldie could not possibly do much damage in the postseason against a balanced Steelheads squad and a standout netminder in Matt Climie.
At 8:08 of the first period Olivier Labelle beat Climie for an early 1-0 lead off assists from Chris St Jacques and Darryl Lloyd. It was Labelle’s second of the series.
Victoria has shown a multi-dimensional approach to the offense and put on a suffocating defense that has limited the Steelies’ chances throughout the two games in Boise.
Todd Ford has been spectacular in net for the Salmon Kings and has turned away nearly every attempt by the Steelheads.
Game two featured the stifling defense of the Kings, who limited Idaho to just 5 shots on goal in the second period (15 through 40 minutes), and am offense that created numerous chances in launching 34 shots on goal through the same 40 minutes. With desperation the Steelheads picked up the pace in the third and took 17 shots to Victoria’s 8.
The real problem for Idaho in this series is the power play unit. They were 0 for 2 in game one and were scoreless in six chances in game two.
Adam Taylor picked up his first of the series with 4 seconds left after the Steelheads pulled Climie in favor of the extra attacker.
The Salmon Kings now head home with a 2-game advantage in home ice and can close out the first round at home in Victoria.
Contact lou.lafrado@prohockeynews.com.
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