It took two periods before either team found the back of the net, and unfortunately it wasn’t the Vancouver Giants.
Giants goaltender Kelton Pyne made 34 saves in a 2-0 loss to the Everett Silvertips on Monday night at Langley Events Centre.
Midway through the third period, when Silvertips forward Clarke Schaefer broke the deadlock. Everett’s Matias Vanhanen added an empty-net goal in the final minute to make it a 2-0 final score.
Through the first 40 minutes, both Pyne and Everett goaltender Raiden LeGall stopped every single shot thrown their way: Pyne had 24 saves and LeGall was 11 for 11.
Giants Head Coach Parker Burgess said the teams “missed a few nets.”
“You’ve got to capitalize on your chances,” Burgess commented.
“The margin for error when you’re playing a team like that is [small] – they defend well. I loved our play without the puck tonight and our commitment to our structure. Guys were in the right place at the right time and they kind of get a cheeky one from the point, they sift one through and they were able to get a tip on it. It’s kind of that bittersweet [feeling]. “
Giants don’t play again until Saturday, when they welcome the Edmonton Oil Kings to Langley for the first time in two seasons. Puck drop is 7 p.m.