Hurricanes Hosting Oil Kings

The Lethbridge Hurricanes continue their push towards the post-season tonight as they host the Edmonton Oil Kings.

The Canes rallied in the third period last weekend to beat Edmonton 6-5 in a shootout, one of four straight games that have gone into overtime for Lethbridge. The Hurricanes are closing in on equaling the WHL record for games in the regular season that have gone into extra time. To this point in the season, Lethbridge has been in either overtime or a shootout 21 times. The record is 23 times in a 72 game schedule set not too long ago by the Moose Jaw Warriors in the 2007-2008 season.

Heading into action tonight, Lethbridge finds itself just two points back on the Prince Albert Raiders, who currently hold down the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Canes have made up an awful lot ground on the Raiders over the last week. They've picked up points in four straight games to close the gap. The Hurricanes have also been doing something we really haven't seen all season up to this point and that's playing desperation hockey. With the exception of the one game against Red Deer, the Canes have been off to rather slow starts, but have managed to find their legs and get better as games have gone on. As strange as this sounds, the Hurricanes seem to be playing better lately when they're down on the scoreboard. I'll give them credit. They're finding ways to dig deep and make things interesting and a lot fun to watch. It's pretty evident this team has something to play for, unlike at this same time a year ago.

The Hurricanes are relatively a healthy bunch right now and the coaching staff would rather keep it that way for the final few weeks of the season. This team has only had a handful of games this year where everyone has been good to go.

Is it me or has the ENMAX Centre been a lot more entertaining place to be lately when the Hurricanes take to the ice. Whether it be the guys clad in red underwear taunting the opposing goalie and getting the wave going or the fans dressed in shiny green suits behind the Hurricanes bench, there is no doubt the fans seem to be enjoying themselves a lot more at Canes games the last while. Wait till the new video score clock is up and running next year. That should change the whole fan experience too!

After tonight's game, the Hurricanes will hit the road for their next four starting tomorrow in Edmonton for the rematch. Next week it's off to B.C. to take on Chilliwack, Kamloops, and Kelowna. Tonight game is a 7:00 pm (MST) start from the ENMAX Centre. The pre-game show on CJOC at 6:30.

Thanks,
Pat

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