Panthers take some "howl" out of Wolves in 5-2 win

The Peninsula Panthers bested the Westshore Wolves 5-2 in VIJHL action at the Q Centre on Wednesday night, a result that once again tightened the screws in the VIJHL South Division.  The game was an important one to both squads, perhaps more important to the "Cats" who are scrambling for playoff position.  And with the important two points the Panthers moved to a single point behind the Kerry Park Islanders.  They also are within striking distance of the Wolves, Braves and Cougars as only five points separates 1st from 5th in the South.

Wolves defenceman Ty Madden scored twice in the 1st frame for the Wolves beating Panthers goaltender Chris Akerman in the process.  Panthers rookie Josh Lingard replied when at the 13:45 mark and killing off a penalty he took the draw to the left of Wolves starter Jordan Spandli.  Lingard chipped the puck forward and then ripped it over Spandli's shoulder to the top of the cage.

It was all Panthers after that as they scored four unanswered markers, two in the 2nd and two in the 3rd.  Riley Braun and Braeden Hansen beat Spandli in the middle stanza while Marshall Brown and Matt Lawrence tallied in the final 20 minutes.  Lawrence's marker came on the power play.

The Panthers will be back at home on Friday night waiting for the Victoria Cougars who will be in action Thursday night against the Wolves.  The puck will drop at 7:30 pm.