The Calgary Roughnecks exploded for a dozen second half goals to hand the Vancouver a decisive 20-9 defeat on Saturday night. The win improves Calgary’s record to 4-3 while Vancouver drop to 3-7.
The Roughnecks had three five-goal runs over the course of the game, building their lead in bunches. The first run included two goals late in the first quarter to give Calgary their first lead, followed by three more to kick off the second quarter. The second run began with a goal in the dying seconds of the second quarter and carried into the second half, eventually running Stealth starting goalie Tyler Richards from the game. The final run, in the fourth quarter put the game out of reach.
Defending league MVP Shawn Evans had his first double-digit night of production on the season, scoring four times and adding seven assists for 11 points. Dane Dobbie (4 G, 4 A) and Jeff Shattler (2G, 6A) added eight points each.
As expected, Geoff Snider dominated the face offs, winning 81.8 percent of the draws and converting them into two of his three goals on the night.
Mike Poulin had an excellent night in net for Calgary, turning aside 28 shots while surrendering only eight goals before being relieved for the final 3:49 of the game by Frankie Scigliano.
For Vancouver, Brett Bucktooth scored a hat trick and added an assist while Rhys Duch added four assists.
Tyler Richards gave up 11 goals on 29 shots before being pulled for Matt Roik who gave up nine goals on 27 shots.
For the second game in a row, the Roughnecks were able to avoid getting into penalty trouble, winding up shorthanded just once in the game. As a result, Calgary’s goaltender’s were not left at a massive disadvantage for significant parts of the game and Calgary’s offence was able to find their rhythm, leading directly to the blowout that ensued.
If Calgary can maintain that level of composure and discipline for the rest of the season, they should be in good shape.
The Roughnecks face their next big challenge on Feb 22 when they host the two-time defending champion Rochester Knighthawks. The Stealth now have two straight bye weeks before travelling to Edmonton to face the Rush on March 8.
