Canes' Lose 4th Straight..Next Up B.C. Road Trip

Another rough game for the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

The team lost 7-2 in Swift Current last night, dropping their early season record to 0-4. The Canes’ troubles started mid-way through the first period when the Broncos scored three times in a span of 2:10. Things kind of unravelled for Lethbridge at that point. Ville Kolppanen who started the game was replaced by Michael Tadjdeh after the first period, but he didn’t fair any better. The Hurricanes have now given up 26 goals against in just four games.

There is no doubt in my mind that in order for this team to be competitive this season, the Canes’ need more reliable goaltending, plain and simple. They addressed their defensive issues a few days ago and that has made a difference. No team in this league, the Hurricanes included can be competitive on a game-by-game basis and give up an average of nearly 7 goals a game. It simply can’t happen.

Don’t be surprised if Head Coach and G.M. Rich Preston makes a move for goalie very soon. He said before the season started that he didn’t want to make any decisions in that department until he saw a few games. Preston’s philosophy as I’ve said before is building a strong team from the back out. He’s happy with the defence I think for the most part, especially the toughness and grit that Mike Reddington brings to table. Forward wise, I think the Canes’ are fine for now. If they can address the defence, which they have and beef up the goaltending things can and will turn around.

On a positive note, the Hurricanes outshot their opponent for the second straight game. The offence I think is there, it’s just a confidence thing when trying to bury those chances around the net. At least 4 times last night the Hurricanes had chances close range in front of the Swift Current goal, but simply missed the net. They must get those pucks on goal.

Later tonight the Hurricanes will hop the bus for their first big roadie of the season with 4 games next week all in B.C. Tuesday were in Vancouver, Wednesday at Kamloops, and Friday and Saturday back-to-back in Prince George. All start times from B.C. are 8pm Alberta time.
So let’s not push the panic button just yet. It’s only 4 games in. Rich Preston is a pretty smart guy and he knows where he needs to make changes, he’s done that already and my gut tells me there's more to come.