Hitmen Route Canes 7-1

A rough start to this second round series for the Hurricanes as they drop a 7-1 decision at the Saddledome in Calgary.

The Canes' were outplayed plain and simple by an extremely good team from Calgary that looked well rested after taking out Edmonton last week in the first round. Lethbridge was out shot 36-16. The only Lethbridge goal came in the 3rd period on a power play by Mitch Versteeg. The Hurricanes are going to need to come with a much better effort if they want to even this series Sunday afternoon.

Both teams get a day off Saturday. The Canes' will practice in Calgary and get ready for game two Sunday at 2 o'clock.

Let's be honest. The Hitmen are a good team, very good. They don't give their opponents much to work with and when they find an inch, they'll take a mile. There's a reason they are the number one ranked team in the CHL. Lethbridge though is a better team than the one that lost 7-1 in game one. They will have to play better and can play better. Lethbridge will have to come out with more drive and try and get a few more scoring chances on Martin Jones.

The Hurricanes have responded well so far in the post-season after losses. In fact, they've followed up every playoff loss with a win. Hopefully that trend continues Sunday afternoon. The Canes' will have to come out and play that desperate style of hockey that we saw a few times in the Saskatoon series.

Can the Hurricanes beat the Hitmen? Sure why not. It will take a full team effort though. With games 3, 4, and 5 in this series scheduled for the Enmax Centre this coming week, Sunday's game will be a big one for Lethbridge. A chance for the team to rebound and a chance to even things up.

Talk to you Sunday
Pat