<img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/07/salmonprospects.jpg" class="imageFloatRightFramed">With the song words "its time for the countdown, we're gonna burn it down" playing during the warmups, one had to wonder if this would predict how the game might go.

Both teams looked sharp and ready to play as they took to the SoFMC ice. Prior to the anthem being sung, lights go out, and Marty the Marmot skated out to loud rock music and tried to fire up the crowd. Whilst this took place, the officals skate around the nets in the manner of those hockey players that James Bond confronted in On Her Majesty's Service.

Barely 22 seconds into the game, Wrangler sniper #11 Francois Lemieux, an oppurtunistic player with an excellent wrist shot, struck. The Vegas bunch would do so again early in the 2nd period, both goals could be classified as, what some in the hockey business would call, "soft goals."

Digging down and finding the heart that is in this team, both times the home side responded. Chad Painchuaud made it 1-1 on a goal mouth scramble power play, assists to Dirk Southern and Jimmy Sharrow. In the second frame, Andy Brandt brought it even again at 2-2 when he broke in and unleashed a succesful shot from the top of the left face off circle.

Captain Wes Goldie netted the eventual winning goal with a classic face off dot shot, with assists going to Olivier Latendresse and goalie David Shantz.

With 17 minutes and 34 seconds left in the game, the score was 3-2 Victoria, and the Salmon Kings had the edge in shots 27 to 20. The remining time would see Jimmy Sharrow's power play goal, and the Salmon Kings outshooting the Wranglers 7 to 1. Plus minus for both teams was even.

The Wrangler line of #11 Francois Lemiuex, #81 Adam Miller and #51 Ryan Weston were dangerous. This line has produced nearly half of the Wrangler goals, they come in waves and cycle the puck well.

As one would expect, with two power play goals scored while on the ice, the line of Randall Gelech, Dirk Southern and Chad Painchaud was outstanding. Jimmy Sharrow also played a particularly strong game.

Two other players produced memorable moments in this game. Firstly, Patrick Coloumbe, with quickness and smarts prevented what appeared to be a sure goal. Seondly. Olivier Filion saw his shot flip too high on what would have been a highlight reel power play goal.

With the win, the Salmon Kings are now tied with Las Vegas for 7th place. Friday will see a certain amount of scoreboard watching, as the 6th place Stockton Thunder venture into Anchorage for a series with the Aces.

NOTES-During the Stockton series, the annual Christmas ornaments made by the players on Craft Day will be up for silent auction. Please check www.salmonkingsboosterclub.com or visit the Booster Club table for details.

A trivia note--last night both the Victoria Salmon Kings and their NHL parent, the Vancouver Canucks began an eight game homestand. Have the Salmon Kings begun the countdown, and are burning down the recent past to pave the way to happier times in 2010? A question that will be answered by the end of 2009. Stay tuned.