Postgame: Braves - 3 Nitehawks - 4 OT

 (BV leads series 2-0)

Game 1: Braves 3 - Nitehawks 6
Game 2: Braves 3 - Nitehawks 4  OT

It came down to two things, focus and intensity! Both of which BV lacked, while Spokane had oodles to spare! For the first 59 minutes of regulation, Beaver Valley was outshot, outhit, and most definitely outplayed. The two goals in the 1st and 2nd by BV were against flow of play while the burst of offense by Spokane in the third was hard-work and determination for the payoff. It wasnt until the final minute of the game when something clicked and the REAL Nitehawks decided to show up. After what seemed like having an allergy to handling the puck all game, Ryan Edwards finally managed to net the cure and send the game into overtime. In the OT, it was all BV! They fully dominated like they did throughout the regular season and Max Flanagan was on the receiving end of a 2 on 1 with Edwards just 2:06 into OT to allow BV to take a 2-0 lead on the series heading back to Spokane for games 3 and 4.

Game Stars: (I actually agree with these ones!)

BV - Mike Vlanich  38 saves
SB - Uriah Machuga 2A - I dont think he took many shifts off....he seemed to always be on the ice
SB - Dylan Tappe 2A

Frustration on Spokane's behalf was apparent during the 1st and 2nd, but they managed to overcome that and have a solid third. This, however, is overshadowed by the classless acts after the final whistle. Dylan Tappe decided to stop briefly and correspond with BV fans on his way to the room. Things were done and said in both directions and I strongly disagree with the conduct of the fans, but also the lack of discipline of the player(and his coach who was behind him) to just walk away. During the game, the crowd around me mentioned several times how loud and vulgar the Spokane coach was during play. I'm not picking on him, but if it wasnt just ME that heard it, then maybe he needs to change the language up a bit....just sayin.

Now, I have no clue whether ref Eric Dasti had read my postgame report from the game he was here last, but he acted like it was never an issue and for that, deserves my respect.  He handled the game efficiently and professionally, missed a few calls both ways but thats to be expected. I dont retract what I initially said, but merely say that tonight, he did a good job.

Nitehawks now travel to Spokane for games 3 and 4 on Feb 27-28 where they can finish out the first round and wait for Castlegar and Nelson to fight it out. That series is tied at 1 with a 2-1 win by Nelson tonight. Due to work, but mainly due to no passport(yet), I wont be attending the 2 away games even though I so desperately want to. So PLEASE, if anyone is going, send us some updates!!