SALMON ARM, BC- The Salmon Arm Silverbacks will look to get back into the win column tonight on the road in Vernon, as they battle the Vipers at 7:00 PM. The Backs are coming off a tough 2-1 loss against the Cranbrook Bucks, who beat the Backs the previous night 4-0. It was the first time the Silverbacks have lost back-to-back games this season, and their first losses in regulation despite outshooting the Bucks 62-51. The Backs went 1/11 on the powerplay last weekend, and they will look to bounce back in that department. Simon Tassy scored the lone Backs goal on the powerplay, his 12th of the season.
Tonight the Backs and Vipers will clash for the fourth time this season. The Silverbacks have won two of the three matchups, and the last two games have gone to overtime, with each team taking one game. The last time these teams met was Wednesday, November 3rd, at the Shaw Centre, when the Vipers jumped on the Backs and quickly got out to a 4-1 lead. However, the Silverbacks stormed back and scored four unanswered to stun the Vipers 5-4 in overtime, with Noah Serdachny getting the OT Winner.
Players to Watch:
Owen Beckner- Got an opportunity on the top line with Daniel Panetta and Tassy this past Sunday and will look to build on his strong play. He has three points in ten games, but he has elevated his play since the Showcase.
Isaac Lambert: Lambert was one of the Silverbacks’ best players in a losing effort last weekend; his big body and powerful stride have been a force on the ice for the Silverbacks. Lambert has five points in ten games this season.
A look at the opposition:
The Vipers have struggled as of late, only picking up one win in their last five games, three of those games into extra time. They sit 7th in the Interior division with a 4-5-5 record. Their upcoming schedule sees them play Powell River and Penticton to close out this month. The Vipers have been led by rookie forward Luke Buss, who leads the team with 10 points in 14 games. Reagan Millburn is tied with him with 10 points.
