“It wasn’t our best effort,” said Head Coach Dave Lowry on facing a desperate team,
“They’re fighting for their lives…we didn’t match their effort.”
The Giants ended their 9 game losing streak, and keep their hopes of the post season alive.
Victoria has locked up 2nd in the division, wrapped up 3 games in 3 days all against Vancouver, winning the first two games by 2-0 and 3-0 scores. It also concluded a stretch of 4 games in 6 days.
“Not making excuses, but we’ve come off an 8 day road trip and basically played 4 games in 5 nights, and it caught up to us tonight.” said Assistant Coach Enio Sacilotto,
The Royals Brandon Fushimi opened the scoring, but his club trailed 2-1 after 20 minutes and 4-1 after 40.
Thomas Foster had 3 points with a goal and two assists, while Jakub Stukel had a goal and an assist. Their line with rookie Tyler Benson combined for 6 points.
Defenseman Dmitry Osipov and Mason Geertsen also scored for the Giants who’s power play went 1 for 3.
The Royals were blanked on the man advantage for a third straight game, 0 for 4.
Vancouver’s Cody Porter earned the win making 30 saves, while Justin Paulic took the loss allowing 4 goals on 29 shots.
The 10 game season series end with both clubs earning 5 wins.
Victoria’s leading scoring Austin Carroll was a late scratch (ill).
The Royals will play their final home game of the regular season on Friday, March 20th against the Silvertips on Fan Appreciation Night.
Victoria will then finish off the regular season on the road in Everett on Saturday, March 21st.
Season Tickets for the 2015-16 Royals season are on sale now. Take advantage of our exclusive Early Bird offer to new season ticket holders by placing a $100 per seat deposit and getting the final home game for free. To arrange a meeting to pick your seats please call 250-220-7889 or visit the Victoria Royals ticket office at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.
- Marlon Martens
Vancouver Giants 4 at Victoria Royals 1 - Status: Final
Sunday, March 15, 2015 - Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena - Victoria, BC
Vancouver 2 2 0 - 4
Victoria 1 0 0 - 1
1st Period-
1, Victoria, Fushimi 14 (Forsberg, Hicketts), 2:44.
2, Vancouver, Foster 13 (Stukel, Osipov), 11:59.
3, Vancouver, Stukel 5 (Foster), 13:28.
Penalties-Foster Van (elbowing), 5:43; Crunk Vic (slashing), 17:29; Atwal Van (roughing), 19:42; Magee Vic (roughing), 19:42; Reddekopp Vic (roughing), 19:42.
2nd Period-
4, Vancouver, Geertsen 12 (Benson, Foster), 1:07 (PP).
5, Vancouver, Osipov 2 (Baer, Brumm), 16:36.
Penalties-served by Brumm Van (too many men), 10:06.
3rd Period-
No Scoring.
Penalties-Popoff Van (tripping), 8:08; Magee Vic (inter. on goaltender), 8:50; Jones Van (cross checking), 14:39.
Shots on Goal-
Vancouver 10-8-11-29.
Victoria 11-2-18-31.
Power Play Opportunities-
Vancouver 1 / 3;
Victoria 0 / 4.
Goalies-
Vancouver, Porter 13-15-1-2 (31 shots-30 saves).
Victoria, Paulic 13-15-1-1 (29 shots-25 saves).
A-4,801
Referees-Reid Anderson (53), Derek Zalaski (8).
Linesmen-Riley Friesen (76), Kirk Van Helvoirt (107).
