Tale of the Tape: Semi-Final Game 3 TONIGHT at Queen's Park Arena

The best-of-five quarter-final series between the Victoria Shamrocks and New Westminster Salmonbellies is tied at one game apiece heading into tonight’s pivotal Game 3 at Queen’s Park Arena. If there’s one theme so far, it’s that “12” is the magic number. In both games, the winner has hit 12 goals, and the overall scoring differential in the series is razor-thin, just one goal separating the teams through two contests.

Offense has been plentiful for both squads, with New Westminster’s Tye Kurtz leading all playoff scorers with 14 points, 12 of them assists, thanks largely to his 6 helpers in Game 2. Mitch Jones sits second with 12 points and is tied for the goal-scoring lead in the series with Victoria’s Andrew Kew, both finding the net 6 times. Marshal King has also been a key playmaker for Victoria, tied for second in playoff assists with eight. The Shamrocks have spread their scoring more evenly, getting goals from multiple sources and thriving in transition play.

Special teams have been a major factor, with every power play opportunity across the first two games resulting in a goal for one side or the other. Both teams boast dangerous power-play units, with Kew and Jesse King each scoring twice with the man advantage. But discipline will be crucial: giving away penalties has been costly in this series, and New Westminster also allowed a shorthanded goal late in Game 2, dampening their late surge.

Goaltending could be tonight’s deciding factor. Cam Dunkerley made a statement in relief during Game 2, posting an 85.7% save percentage and allowing just 7 goals after coming in cold. Chris Origlieri has struggled so far, sitting at a 12.43 GAA. For New Westminster, Frank Scigliano was stellar in the opener but allowed 11 goals in Game 2. Justin Geddie may get the start tonight at home, given his track record of success against Victoria dating back to last year’s playoffs.

With the series balanced on a knife’s edge, in-game coaching decisions - whether to pull a goalie, adjust minutes, or switch up offensive looks - could determine the outcome. Both teams are capable of making quick defensive adjustments, so whoever gets the ball to their hottest stick and stays disciplined will likely seize the series lead.

Faceoff is at 6:30 p.m., and if the first two games are any indication, Game 3 promises to be another high-scoring, hard-hitting thriller.