It's back to business for the Lethbridge Hurricanes tonight as they get set to host the Tri-City Americans. The Canes' are fresh off a 3-2 win over Calgary on Tuesday, the team's first win over the Hitmen in the past 11 tries. Lethbridge will certainly need another strong performance tonight against the Americans. The Ams have 15 wins in 19 games this season and sport one of the best records in the league right now. Last year, the Hurricanes lost 5-2 in their only meeting with the Americans down in Kennewick, WA. Tri-City lost it's last game on Wednesday in Medicine Hat and will be looking to rebound against a steadily improving Lethbridge team tonight.
This game will put an end to what has been a pretty darn good 8 game home-stand for Lethbridge. The team is 4-2-1 so far on this latest stretch and would like nothing more than to add another victory against one of the best in west. Tonight's game also marks the return of Cody Castro to the Enmax Centre. He was traded to Tri-City a few weeks back for a draft pick. Former Canes' d-man Brock Sutherland makes his return to Lethbridge as well. Also, Canes' defenceman Eric Mestery will play against his former team for the first time. Mestery did not play in Tri-City on the Hurricanes trip south to Kennewick last season as he was sidelined with injury. I'm sure he would like nothing more than to have a strong game against his former club.
Tri-City is lead by Brendan Shinnimin who has 15 goals and 19 assists in 19 games. He's also an amazing +13 rating. Adam Hughesman is a +14 and second in team scoring. Those are two players the Hurricanes are going to have to be very aware of in this game.
The Numbers
Right now, Carter Bancks leads the Hurricanes in scoring with 23 points. Rookie Mitch Maxwell leads the team in goals with 11. Carter Ashton has 5 power play goals leading the Canes' in that department and Austin Fyten who's been playing very well on this home stand leads the team in overall plus/minus at a +6 rating.
Next Up
After this one tonight, the Hurricanes will hit the bus again for a short trip down highway 3 to resume their rivalry with Medicine Hat (7:30 pm) and then on Sunday, the Canes' will close out 3 games in 3 days with an evening date at the Enmax Centre versus Kootenay (6pm). Next week won't be nearly as busy for Lethbridge, in fact after this Sunday, the Hurricanes play only once in the following 11 days. The Prince Albert Raiders stop by next Wednesday (Nov 18) and the Canes' don't play again after that until Friday (Nov 27) in Saskatoon.
Thanks,
Pat
Any word on the status of Rowat? When can we expect to see him back?
ReplyDeleteWhen I spoke with Rich Preston on Tuesday before the Calgary game, he said Rowat was at least another week away as his foot was still tender. Given that, the Canes' only play once next week and then have 8 days off between games. I don't expect Rowat at all this weekend and if he doesn't play next Wednesday against PA, he would likely be ready for the Saskatoon game on the 27th.
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