Recap: VIC 6 - SASK 3

The Victoria Royals wrapped up a 5 game in 8 night Eastern Division road trip with a 6-3 win over the 11th place Saskatoon Blades Saturday, picking up 8 of a possible 10 points.

Victoria earned wins over Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Brandon and Saskatoon, with the only loss coming Friday night in Regina out scoring the opposition 22-16.

“Selfishly we’re disappointed after the game last night…” said Head Coach Dave Lowry on the loss in Regina on the road trip, “…We ended it tonight playing on a positive, so overall you’re pleased, but we want to win every game.”

The club earned a franchise best 43rd win, 90th point and 23rd road victory.

Saturday, Brandon Magee had 3 assists and Logan Nelson 2 goals as the Royals doubled the Blades 6-3.  Victoria held period leads of 3-1 and 5-2.

The Royals jumped on the Blades early with two quick goals.  Logan Nelson converted on a 2 on 1 with Austin Carroll just :32 seconds in.   Taylor Crunk notched his 7th on a turnover just :31 seconds later.

Nelson notches his first of two goals

“The game was won in the first 10 minutes…we were able to rebound after losing last night and it says a lot about the character in the room.” Said Lowry

After Ryan Graham cut the lead in half, Brett Cote scored a buzzer beater, set up by Brandon Magee, taking a 3-1 lead to the second period.

Cote scores on Moodie

In the middle frame the Blades again cut the lead to one with a Brett Stovin power play marker, however the Royals got one on the man advantage as well courtesy of Alex Blomqvists 21st, followed by a Ben Walker goal taking a 5-2 lead to the third.

Victoria out shot Saskatoon 14-5 in the final frame as the teams exchanged goals, Nelson added his second of the game, and Nikita Scherbak rounded out the scoring for Saskatoon.

The Royals doubled the Blades 40-20 in shots as Patrik Polivka earned his 23rd win with 17 saves, while Troy Trombley came in relief for Alex Moodie to start the third in the loss.

“We’re preparing to get ready for the playoffs here, and we really didn’t want to get into a run and gun period…” said Lowry on finishing strong against the Blades, “We wanted to play it like a playoff game for us.”

The line of Steven Hodges (1a), Austin Carroll (2a) and Logan Nelson (2g) combined for 5 points and 14 over their last 3 games since being put together.

Brandon Magee’s unit with Ben Walker (1g 1a) and Axel Blomqvist (1a) earned 6 points.

Victoria was 1 for 4 on the power play, as Saskatoon went 1 for 3.

The Royals travelled home following the game, but will be on the road again next Friday and Saturday against the Cougars in Prince George.  Victoria’s next home game is March 7th and 8th - against Kamloops.

-Marlon Martens

Victoria Royals 6 at Saskatoon Blades 3 - Status: Final
Saturday, February 22, 2014 - Credit Union Centre - Saskatoon, SK

Victoria 3 2 1 - 6
Saskatoon 1 1 1 - 3

1st Period-
1, Victoria, Nelson 21 (Carroll, Fransoo), 0:32.
2, Victoria, Crunk 7   1:03.
3, Saskatoon, Graham 10 (Hebig, Sanvido), 18:04.
4, Victoria, Cote 3 (Magee, Walker), 19:59.

Penalties-Nemecek Sas (interference), 8:24.

2nd Period-
5, Saskatoon, Stovin 14 (Scherbak, Johnston), 6:36 (PP).
6, Victoria, Blomqvist 21 (Magee, Fransoo), 8:47 (PP).
7, Victoria, Walker 24 (Magee), 13:17.

Penalties-Hodges Vic (kneeing), 4:50; Busenius Sas (hooking), 7:00; Gagnon Vic (interference), 13:54; Oleksyn Vic (delay of game), 17:28.

3rd Period-
8, Victoria, Nelson 22 (Carroll, Hodges), 9:12.
9, Saskatoon, Scherbak 27   10:42.

Penalties-Busenius Sas (hooking), 0:23; Hnidy Sas (hooking), 15:50.

Shots on Goal-
Victoria 18-8-14-40.
Saskatoon 9-6-5-20.

Power Play Opportunities-
Victoria 1 / 4; Saskatoon 1 / 3.

Goalies-
Victoria, Polivka 23-11-0-2 (20 shots-17 saves).
Saskatoon,
Moodie 7-18-1-1 (26 shots-21 saves);
Trombley 9-22-1-2 (14 shots-13 saves).

A-5,278
Referees-Steve Papp (17), Colin Watt (72).
Linesmen-Jason Roy (94), Tarrington Wyonzek (137).