Newcastle Vipers 2, Edinburgh Capitals 4

Mar 20 2009 by Stuart Jamieson, The Journal

TWO back-post strikes by the deadly Mark Hurtubise finished off the Vipers in the third period.

Just under four minutes after the home side had made it 2-2, Hurtubise struck his 29th goal of the season, and then three minutes later made his tally 30 when he bundled the puck in.

The Vipers could gave gone ahead in the first minute when David Longstaff unselfishly passed to Derek Campbell, who was lurking at the edge of the crease.

Campbell hit the puck instantly, but former Viper goalie Pasi Raitanen was like a brick wall.

At the other end, Richie Lawson, given his first start of the season, foiled the Capitals by twice using his legs to block shots.

On six minutes, the Vipers went ahead after Ed Courtenay had produced the perfect pass for Jeff Hutchins, who was making a late skate into the Capitals’ zone.

Lawson had been by far the busier of the two netminders in the first period, saving 23 shots to block out the Capitals.

But eight minutes after the restart, Lawson was beaten by Martin Singel, who was left unmarked in the slot.

The Vipers then went behind while they were a skater short, Capitals’ defenceman Kyle Horne shooting through Lawson’s legs for a 36th-minute powerplay marker.

Lawson then helped create the Vipers’ equaliser 32 seconds into the final period. Campbell was set free up the middle and the left winger scored with a rising backhand.

VIPERS D Campbell, Hutchins 1+0. B Campbell, Courtenay, Lawson 0+1.#

CAPITALS Hurtbise 2+1, Horne 1+1, Singel 1+0, Christiansen 0+2, Christie, Perkins 0+1.