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WHL Vancouver Giants

Mirwald Makes 53 Saves in Game 2 Loss to Tips, Tying Series 1-1

March 31, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Vancouver Giants News Release


Vancouver Giants battle the Everett Silvertips
Vancouver Giants battle the Everett Silvertips
(Vancouver Giants, Credit: Caroline Anne)

Everett, WA - Despite an incredible 53-save performance from goaltender Brett Mirwald, the Vancouver Giants were edged 2-1 by the Everett Silvertips in game two of their opening round series on Saturday night, tying the best-of-7 one game apiece.

Vancouver got a phenomenal goal in the second period from London Hoilett to cut Everett's lead to 2-1, but that was as close as they'd get.

The Giants had previously won game one on Friday night by a score of 6-4.

Austin Roest had both goals for Everett.

The series now shifts to Langley next week for games three and four on Wednesday and Friday.

GAME SUMMARY

Roest scored the only goal of the opening frame, putting home a feed from defenceman Tarin Smith in front to make it 1-0 at the 9:31 mark.

Early in the second, Roest deposited his second of the game from in front again, this time off a wrap-around try from Zaplitny, doubling the lead 3:43 into period two.

The Giants found new life just a few minutes after Everett made it 2-0, thanks to a wonderful individual effort from London Hoilett. Aaron Obobaifo chipped the puck out of the defensive zone to centre, where Hoilett got to it first to create a 1-on-1, and then proceeded to deke defenceman Rylan Pearce out of his pants before tucking it home past goaltender Tyler Palmer.

The Giants couldn't build off that unfortunately, and went into the second intermission still down 2-1, with Everett leading in shots on goal 37-16.

The Silvertips shut things down effectively in the final period, only surrendering five shots on goal, holding on for the 2-1 win and tying the best-of-7 series 1-1.

THEY SAID IT

"I just thought the walls - they were right on top of us all night. I didn't think our puck management was as good as last night. I didn't think we established a forecheck. Obviously not enough o-zone time...We liked our compete. Our guys are playing hard. It is a real physical series. I thought tonight our discipline was pretty good, which is really important in the playoffs. I think it comes down to some details. I thought we got a little bit away from script in this game where we're trying to push it and I thought they just kind of outlasted us playing the right way."" - Associate Coach Adam Maglio on the game overall

"This year our home record has been really good. Our guys really feed off our crowds there and the energy they bring so we're looking forward to that going into game three." - Associate Coach Adam Maglio on heading home

STATISTICS

SOG: VAN - 9/7/5 = 21 | EVT - 17/20/18 = 55

PP: VAN- 0/3 | EVT - 0/2

Face-Offs: VAN - 28 | EVT - 33

3 STARS

1st: EVT - Austin Roest- 2G, 7 SOG, +2

2nd: EVT - Cade Zaplitny - 2A, 3 SOG, +2

3rd: VAN - Brett Mirwald - 53 Saves on 55 Shots

GOALTENDING BATTLE

Vancouver: Loss - Brett Mirwald (53 saves / 55 shots)

Everett: WIN - Tyler Palmer (20 saves / 21 shots)

NEXT GAME:

Games three and four are scheduled for Wednesday and Friday of next week at the Langley Events Centre.

Game five is now guaranteed, which will be played on Sunday, April 7 in Everett at 4:05 p.m.

Check out the Vancouver Giants Statistics




Images from this story

Vancouver Giants battle the Everett Silvertips
Vancouver Giants battle the Everett Silvertips
(Caroline Anne)		   



Western Hockey League Stories from March 31, 2024


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