Following the impressive victory in the first game of the series, it was imperative for the Delta Ice Hawks to keep up the fast pace they displayed in the home opener they are taking a commanding series lead.
To no one’s surprise both teams were going with the same “tenders” who played in game one and with both having a “hot-hand”, this series could go either way.
Delta went with the regular roster that has got them to this area of the play-offs, while the Steelers were without key players, that included Nico Bruno, Anthony Benevoli, Malcolm Huemmert, Leeam Tivers and Captain Lucas Mercer.
Some might say that Delta entered the game on nerves of “steel” and sheer adrenaline alone, but this alone won’t get them past this round, especially the Steelers.
Delta’s focus was getting a quick start to the game and that is what they did as Methorst did getting an unassisted goal on the board at 1:38 of the opening period.
Playing aggressive at times means taking penalties which Delta know’s far too well and this game was no different with Prior called for Boarding at 8:12 and Methorst at 10:41, giving the Steelers chance after chance.
To no one’s surprise the Steelers pressed and managed to get even on the board at 18:16 from A/P call-up Bryson Wong put the final touches on a nifty pass from Steelers snipers Rota and Gurney.
Delta had yet another opportunity to pull ahead at 19:08 of the period when Siebenga was called for Tripping finishing the first on the PP.
Delta dominated in the shot department after one by a 9-4 margin, but failed to capitalize on any other chances they had.
The second started with Delta on the PP, but that was short-lived as Stein was tagged for Cross Checking a short 9 seconds into the middle frame.
Once the Steelers minor was over they were on the PP, which by any extent was non-existent through the night.
Continuing with his rapid pace of scoring Delta’s Gary Dhaliwal put the Ice Hawks up by a 2-1 score at the 17:41 mark of the middle period after getting set up by “speedster” Jonathan Stein.
The Steelers gave Delta chance after chance only being turned aside by Paler-Chow time after time keeping the game within reach for Grandview.
While both teams had several chances, it was the Ice Hawks that controlled the shots out shooting the Steelers 12-5 in the second, allowing Delta to finish two periods out shooting the Steelers by a 21-9 margin.
Delta’s strong offense continued in the third and at the 23 second mark it was Magnus Cheung who was set up from “tender” Jordan Naylor, who wanted to prove he has more to offer than stay in the blue paint.
As much as the Steelers pressed, the Ice Hawks used their size and strong defensive play to keep them off the board allowing them one (3-2) in the third at 12:24, with this one coming from Jeffrey Wong.
Given the strong play at both ends of the ice, Delta’s roster was simply too much for the Steelers to handle keeping the shots for the Steelers to only 4, while Delta could only manage 6.
Delta managed to out-shot the Steelers by a 27-13 margin through three, scoring in all three periods.
Referee Trevor Nolan and linesman Trevor Beaton and James Gregory had a relatively easy night assessing Delta 5 minors and the Steelers 7 on the afternoon tilt.
Game Stars:
1st Alexander Methorst (1 goal)
2nd Matteo Paler-Chow (27 shots faced)
3rd Gary Dhaliwal (1 goal)
It’s interesting to point out that Jordan Naylor was required to make a mere 11 saves on 13 shots recording his sixth victory of the playoffs.
Some might question the Steelers dropping game two, but as much as Delta wants to pull out a victory in the series, they can ill afford to take the Steelers lightly!
Game three of the series moves back to Ladner at the Leisure Center Tuesday March 7 with the face-off set for 7:35 pm.
