Fred Harbinson is convinced had the Penticton Vees’ power play not struck out on the weekend, they would have returned from their three-game stand with six points instead of three.
“Just something we need to tweak and address,” said the Vees coach.
After picking up a 3-2 double-overtime win against the Chilliwack Chiefs Feb. 8, the Vees then settled for a 3-3 draw with the Powell River Kings and were shutout 3-0 against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
In total the Vees went zero-for-10 on the man advantage, including zero-for-six against the Bulldogs.
The Vees coaching staff spent Tuesday finding a solution to solve the power play since they host the Vernon Vipers Wednesday night, for the final Wicked Wednesday of the season.
“If we do that we will be fine,” he said. “I thought the rest of our game was really good. We just didn’t give ourselves an opportunity.”
Against the Bulldogs, Harbinson said they made a mistake early in the period that resulted in a goal. However, they had chances but couldn’t capitalize.
“We were getting good puck movement, spending most of the time in the offensive zone,” he said. “Just for whatever reason it’s just not clicking.”
Harbinson also credited Bulldogs goalie Billy Christopoulos for a strong 37-save performance.
“We had some good grade A chances, just one of those things where we never found a way to finish,” he said.
During the road trip the Vees welcomed back Matt Serratore, who returned to the lineup from an ankle injury that kept him our since Nov. 14.
He was reunited with Jack Ramsey and Riley Alferd. Against Chilliwack, Serratore and Alferd teamed up to set up Connor Chartier to give the Vees a 2-0 lead.
“I thought he played very well considering how long he had been off,” said Harbinson. “He comes back in a tough situation, playing three games in two and a half days. I thought by the third game he was starting to wear down a little bit. He’s going to be great. He looked better than I expected. It was really good to see him back in the lineup.”
And he loved being back in the lineup.
“It was frustrating. It’s tough to watch from the stands every night,” he said. “The guys battle and have some big games. It’s frustrating to not be able to have an impact on the game.”
Serratore, who is averaging .80 points per game this season, said he felt the reunion with his linemates went well.
“I think some chemistry was there again. We can build on it,” said Serratore, who will join the Air Force, an NCAA school, next season.
Next up for the Vees (38-8-3-2) are the Vernon Vipers (31-16-1-3), who they own this season having won all five meetings.
“We’re going to want to make a statement. We don’t like losing at home,” said Serratore. “It’s always a big game when we play at home. It’s a great rivalry. It’s a game that you always get up for.”
Harbinson expects the Vipers to come out hard, especially after losing their last two games on the road.
“I’m sure they are looking for a big win against us,” said Harbinson, stressing that the Vipers will do everything to not lose the final two meetings between the teams.
The Vipers overtime loss on Sunday against Chilliwack helped the Vees clinch the Interior Division for the fourth straight season.
“It means a lot about the organization. How we’re running things,” said Harbinson. “It’s not easy to win four in a row. The first goal is accomplished. Now the next goal is to try and get the president’s trophy (Ron Boileau Memorial Trophy).”
