Tuesday 23 October 2012

Rimmer Records Shutout as Hurricanes Blank Broncos 4-0

SWIFT CURRENT, SK. - A three goal second period and great goaltending lifted the Lethbridge Hurricanes to a 4-0 victory in Swift Current Tuesday night.

The Lethbridge Hurricanes did something in this game they haven't done much of this season, open the scoring.  After a big face-off win by Graham Hood, Sam McKechnie tipped in a shot from the point and beat Swift Current goaltender Eetu Laurikainen to give the Hurricanes a 1-0 lead just over 5 minutes into the game.  It was McKechnie's 7th goal of the season.  That would be all the offence in the opening 20 minutes of this game.  The Broncos had a couple of power plays, but couldn't get the puck past Ty Rimmer who got hit 13th consecutive start in goal.

In the second, the Hurricanes power play would strike.  Spencer Galbraith's wrist shot went off a Bronco in front and by Laurikainen to give the visitors a 2-0 lead.  It was Galbraith's 2nd goal of the season and 2nd in as many games as well.  That was the first goal in a 3 goal second period for Lethbridge.  A few minutes later Jay Merkley made an outstanding pass to Jamal Watson at the side of the Broncos goal and he scored his 3rd of the season into the top corner to make it 3-0 Lethbridge.  The Cane Train wasn't done their.  less than a minute after that, Axel Blomqvist took a feed from Reid Duke, got behind the Swift Current defence.  His shot was stopped, but the rebound went right to Russ Maxwell who buried his 9th of the season to give Lethbridge a commanding 4-0 lead after 40 minutes.  The Broncos held the edge in shots 26-23.

In the third, neither team was able to score in the final period as Ty Rimmer kept the Broncos off the score sheet to record his first shutout of the season as the Canes would skate away with a 4-0 victory and for the first time this season, back-to-back victories.  The Broncos out shot Lethbridge 37-26.  The Canes were 1/3 on the power play while Swift Current went 0/5.  Assistant Coach Chris Chisamore said on the CJOC post game show this might be the best road game this team has played in the past two years. 

The Hurricanes played an outstanding game from start to finish.  They had goals from four different players in this game and Rich Preston and Matt Kabayama rolled four lines and all their defensive pairings regularly all night long.  Albin Blomqvist sat this game out as he's a bit under the weather this week. 

NEXT UP

The Hurricanes close out this mini Saskatchewan road trip Wednesday (Oct. 24) when they travel to Moose Jaw to take on the Warriors.  Game time is 7:00 pm MDT.  The pre-game show on CJOC at 6:30.  The Hurricanes return home Friday (Oct. 26)  for the start of another 6 game home stand as the host the Regina Pats.

Thanks,
Pat

6 comments:

  1. Big win for the Canes tonight. Sounds like they played great hockey. I know there is allot of hate for the coaching staff and some of the vets (Hood in particular) but I think right now the fans just need to be patient. I know thats asking allot after what the fans have been through over the past 3-4 seasons but from what we are seeing so far this year (and the last few months of last season) things are getting better. Fans shouldnt be getting to excited or frustrated at this point in the year. I will admit im not the biggest proponent of Preston but he deserves credit for the Rimmer trade. Having a consistent goaltender is exactly what this team needs to get their feet under them and I think we are starting to see that. I have a feeling that two months from now we will look back on the Brandon game from last week as a major turning point for the young season. Still lots of work to do (reduce shots against and improve special teams) but you are blind if you dont see improvement.
    - Cam

    ReplyDelete
  2. Also, some random thoughts about the team and season thus far...
    - Good to hear more from Chisamore. He is as good a spokesperson as Preston is a bad one. That doesnt reflect negatively on Preston as a coach or GM but it is clear that he is not a PR guy. Chisamore is very well spoken and honest and the fans deserve to hear that.
    - Seems to me that there is a much more positive attitude about the team in the city this year. Since the major deficit hit the news I have noticed a much greater 'pro Hurricane' attitude in the local media. They are really pushing the team into the community. I get the feeling Lethbridge WANTS to love the Hurricanes again and now they just need a good reason too.
    - There really has been a great atmosphere in the Enmax over the past two weeks. Props to the organization for improving the in-house entertainment. New game day host is great and Vince from Rock 106 is killing it as the in house P.A. guy. Lots of energy and it DOES translate.
    - Also give the organization credit for being more transparent and open to input through social media. If you dont have twitter get it because it gives you an immediate outlet to the organization and make no mistake, they DO pay attention to the tweets they receive.

    - Cam

    ReplyDelete
  3. We listened to Pat call the game tonight. It sounded like the Hurricanes did a lot right and very little wrong. It is nice to see Rimmer get the shutout. Good luck tomorrow in Moose Jaw and keep up the good work!

    -cc

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wow, on the fun end of a shut-out!

    Nice to see MERKLEY on the score sheet for a PP assist... Did they make a mistake? Dyslexia? #12, maybe, or is there hope for Preston as a coach, yet?

    Like trying to follow a low round in golf with another low round.... VERY difficult to play well in the next game after shutting an opponent out.

    I am a bit worried for the team for the next game, and especially for Tai if he finally gets a shot in net.

    I don't know whether it is statistically accurate or not, but it seems to me like there have been more shut-outs across the WHL this year.

    Moose Jaw beat PA 9-0 less than 2 weeks ago, but then MJ LOST 5-0 in their very next game against Tri-City.

    I hope if Tai does play, that the guys play even more disciplined (less than 3 penalties), and that the coaches roll four lines again to keep the majority of play in the Jaw's end.. otherwise, we might be in for a one-sider on the not-so-fun side.

    I would also not be surprized if the next game is Hood's goal breakthrough night. He had a lot of shots when MJ came to LA. I hope he shuts up his critics for a few seconds by scoring a couple. - Richie.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Another big win for the boys. I will agree that Preston has made some good moves as the gm, he has also made a few bad ones that seem to be influenced because he is also coach. Yes anon 10:51 Merkley was on the pp. My being a Hood critic is based on the way he plays. To me he just doesn't seem to have the intensity he needs to lead this team. I have said before that I am not sure why I thought this year would be different since that is who he is and how he plays. Lets see if we can have the same hustle tonight and earn another win. AJ

    ReplyDelete
  6. Good win Canes! I didn't get to hear or see the game, but was impressed with the stats (SOG, Shots against etc).

    It will be a tough game tonight, but giv'er snoot and good luck Canes!!

    Darren

    ReplyDelete