Canes' Losing Skid Now at Nine

RED DEER- An early second period goal was the difference as the Rebels blanked the Hurricanes for the second time this season, extending the Lethbridge losing streak to nine straight games.

Not much offence in the first period last night. The Rebels had the better of the chances in the first 10 minutes while the Hurricanes had a pretty good second half of the opening period. No goals were scored, but the play for the most part was fairly even. The shots were 9-9 after 20 minutes. Both teams had their chances. Red Deer had the better overall opportunities. Many of their scoring chances in the first were the result of Lethbridge turnovers.

In the second, the Rebels managed to break the scoreless tie. A clearing attempt by the Canes' was held in by Justin Weller. The Phoenix Coyotes product let the shot go from the blueline, it hit something out in front and beat Linden Rowat between the legs to give Red Deer a 1-0 lead. Lethbridge tried to even the score, but couldn't get the puck passed Rebels goalie Darcy Kuemper.

In the third, the Hurricanes tried to even the score while the Rebels had numerous chances to take a 2-0 lead, but neither team could score and Red Deer would hang on for a 1-0 victory. This is the second time this season the Canes' have been shut out in Red Deer by that same score. The Hurricanes were out shot 34-24 in this one. Linden Rowat had another good game in goal despite the loss. He was the game's 3rd star. The power play for both teams struggled. Red Deer went 0 for 7 while the Canes went 0 for 4.

The goaltenders (Rowat & Anderson) are giving this team and have given this team chances to win games this season. The lack of goal scoring though has been a major issue all season and I think in the past month or so, it's been a little more magnified. There's got be a level of frustration amongst the coaches and players at the moment. Rich Preston and Matt Kabayama were both visibly upset on the bench a few times last night. More so than I've seen at any point this season. Personally I don't blames them. Why the puck isn't going in the net is the $64,000 question.

Preston Discusses Young Up and Comers

The Hurricanes called up another prospect last night. Ryley Bennefield played against the Rebels and he'll suit up again tonight in Edmonton. He only saw a couple of quick shifts last night. I spoke with Rich Preston about some of the players that have the potential to push for a spot on the roster next season. Bennefield was the Hurricanes top pick in the 2009 draft 33rd overall. Preston says, "He plays in Leduc in the Alberta AAA Midget League. He's one of the top scorers in that league as far as goals. Bennefield is pretty good for a 15 year old."

When it comes to some of these prospects like Bennefield, Soffilas, and Balog do they have a good shot at making this team in 2010/2011? Preston responded, "It's nice that we'll have a chance over the next few weeks to get these guys in the line-up and have a good look at them at this level. Balog is another guy I'd like to see in a game. I think it's good for the player too, to just get a few games in the league where as next year they have a real good chance at making this club. Pat, our '94 group is really strong with Balog Bennefield, Mitchell Guiel, Adam Henry, and Mason Blacklock, That's a pretty solid group for us."

Next Up

The Hurricanes will finish off this stretch of six games on the road to start February tonight up in Edmonton against the Oil Kings. This is actually one team the Canes' have had success against this year. Lethbridge has won all three meetings so far, including a shoot out victory at Rexall Place just after Christmas.

Game time tonight is 7 o'clock. The pre-game show on CJOC at 6:30.

Thanks,
Pat