Hurricanes End Losing Streak

The Lethbridge Hurricanes halted a 6 game losing streak last night in Medicine Hat with a big 3-1 win, their first against their highway 3 rivals in 3 tries this season.

It was maybe the best first period of hockey for the Hurricanes in about 2 weeks. The Canes' jumped out to a 2-0 lead on goals by Cam Braes and Brody Sutter. Lethbridge was also backstopped by Brandon Anderson who was excellent for the visitors in the opening 20 minutes. He held off the Tigers who were pressing hard when the score was 1-0 Lethbridge. Shortly after that, Sutter scored on a 2 on 1 rush to give the Canes' a two goal cushion after one. Anderson, in fact was great the whole night.

In the second, the Tigers turned on the full court press and got back into the game with a power play goal, cutting the lead to 2-1, but the Hurricanes would not be out done. A beautiful goal on yet another 2 on 1 for the Canes' gave Lethbridge the two goal lead again. A great pass from Mitch Maxwell and a one-timer by Max Ross gave the Hurricanes 3-1 advantage heading into the 3rd.

In the final frame, the Hurricanes got themselves into penalty trouble, but the penalty killers, the best one being goalie Brandon Anderson held off the Medicine Hat attack and the Hurricanes were able to end a losing streak that has lasted pretty much three weeks. Anderson was fantastic between the pipes again for Lethbridge and was awarded the game's first star for his effort.

Head Coach/GM Rich Preston was pretty straight forward with his comments in our pre-game show last night. He was all business and perhaps that translated into the play of the Hurricanes players. When I asked him about his thoughts regarding the 6-1 loss in Prince Albert last weekend, his answer was two words, "It Stunk". He obviously wasn't happy with that outing, especially after a well played game the night before in Saskatoon (3-2 shootout loss). The players responded well last night. The team did take a few too many penalties I thought, but this time they were able to hold off the Tigers power play.

I thought the Canes' played a good road game. It's always nice to beat your biggest rivals, especially since it was broadcast live on SHAW. It was the Hurricanes best performance since their last win November 10th when they beat Calgary. Also, for the first time in a while the Hurricanes got offensive contributions from players other than the top two lines. They will need more from the Sutters and the Ross' of the world if this team wants to be successful.

The Hurricanes next action is on Friday night when they host the Red Deer Rebels (7pm MT). This will be the first meeting between the Canes' and Rebels since very early in the season.

Thanks,

Pat