The Virden Oil Capitals wrapped up a dominant first-round playoff performance Thursday night with a convincing 7-2 victory over the Neepawa Titans at the Yellowhead Centre, officially completing a four-game series sweep.
After a tightly contested opening period, the Oil Caps broke through late in the first when Worthington scored at 18:35, finishing a setup from Bryant and Lewko to give Virden a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes.
Neepawa briefly answered early in the second period when Weisgarber tied the game, but from there, the Oil Capitals took complete control.Virden erupted with four goals in the middle frame to put the game firmly out of reach. Just over a minute after Neepawa tied it, Drake responded, restoring the lead with help from Bryant. The Caps kept rolling as Osiowy scored, followed by Wright, and then Laing, capping off a relentless stretch that put Virden up 5-1 heading into the third.
The Oil Caps continued to pour it on in the final frame. Bryant scored on the power play just 1:37 into the third period, converting a chance from Worthington to make it 6-1. He wasn’t finished there, Bryant struck again this time finishing a play from Drake and Plaisier, adding to a big personal night.
Neepawa’s Paquette scored late at 17:27, but the outcome was long decided as Virden skated away with a statement win.
Virden’s depth was on full display once again, with goals coming from Worthington, Drake, Osiowy, Wright, Laing, and Bryant (2).
Goaltender Burdeny was once again steady between the pipes, making 17 saves on 19 shots, while the Oil Capitals outshot Neepawa 29-19.
With the win, the Oil Capitals officially close out the series in four straight games, advancing to the second round of the playoffs in dominant fashion.
Final Score:
Virden Oil Capitals 7
Neepawa Titans 2
Virden wins series 4-0
