Lethbridge 3 Calgary 2

Poor starts for the Lethbridge Hurricanes in a few games on this current home stand lead to some losses for the hockey team recently, but last night it was a strong first period that helped the Canes' to a 3-2 victory over one of the top major junior teams in the country, the Calgary Hitmen.

It was a very good opening 20 minutes for Lethbridge, maybe the best first period of hockey for the Hurricanes on this current 8 game home stand. The Canes' jumped out to a 2-1 lead, including one short-handed by Carter Ashton. Lethbridge also out shot the Hitmen in the opening frame 9-6. The Hurricanes also came out playing a physical game. Luca Sbisa laid two solid checks in first and Derek Ryckman dropped the gloves with Calgary's Ben Wilson.

In the second, Landon Oslanski scored his first-ever WHL goal to give the Hurricanes a 3-1 lead on a shot that beat a screened Martin Jones in the Calgary goal. That actually turned out to be the game winner. The Hitmen though would get that one back on a power-play to cut the lead to 3-2 Lethbridge after two.

In the third the Hitmen turned on heat out shooting the Canes' 13-6, but the Hurricanes were able to hold off the attack and hold on for the win. Brandon Anderson earned the win in goal. He played strong and came up with the big saves we he had to.

I thought this was maybe the best game the Hurricanes played so far on this 8 game home stand which will wrap up this Friday night. The Canes' played a strong game against the Hitmen and made it a difficult night at times for Calgary goaltender Martin Jones. Lethbridge was getting shots through, putting up screens, and drawing the Hitmen into taking a few penalties too.

I certainly think Rich Preston would like to get more from his power play. The Hurricanes have struggled in that department lately and have scored just once in their last 23 power play chances. They didn't score with the man advantage last night (0-7), but they did look dangerous at times. Calgary was good with the power play. They scored twice and have the league's best power play through 22 games.

For Lethbridge, this is the first time they've managed to beat Calgary in two seasons. Before last night, the last time the Canes' beat the Hitmen was in game 4 of the Eastern Conference final in 2007/2008. As for Calgary, this is their first loss against a Central Division opponent in 10 games this season.

The Hitmen are a great team no question. They tough to play against and I can see why they have the record they have. Give the Hurricanes a lot of credit though. Like Associate Coach Matt Kabayama said on our post-game show last night the Canes' played a simple game and had good goaltending and a strong supporting cast on defence.

The Hurricanes now play 3 games in 3 days this weekend, starting with the Tri-City Americans, one of the top teams in the WHL.

Thanks,
Pat