LETHBRIDGE - Four goals in the first period lifted the Hurricanes to a convincing 6-3 win over the visiting Brandon Wheat Kings Saturday night at the ENMAX Centre. The Hurricanes were hoping to get off to a quicker and better start in this game and they did just that. Alex Kuvaev scored just 19 seconds into the game to give Lethbridge a 1-0 lead. It was the Russian's 5th goal on the season and third in two games. Before the game was five minutes old, the Hurricanes would go ahead 2-0. Brady Ramsey scored his first WHL goal to give the home team a two goal cushion early. The Canes' weren't done there. Cam Braes notched his third of the year before the 10 minute mark in the first period. Lethbridge jumped out to 3-0 against a Brandon team that's been on the road for more than two weeks. Before the end of the period, the Hurricanes would get one more. Graham Hood scored his second of the year to put Lethbridge into a commanding 4-0 lead after 20 minutes of play. The Canes' out shot the Wheaties 14-11 in the period.
In the second, the Wheat Kings would get one of those goals back. Dominick Favreau knocked the puck out of mid air and beat Dylan Tait to get the Wheat Kings on the board and cut the lead to 4-1 Lethbridge. The Canes' would get that one back when Max Ross scored short-handed to give the Hurricanes a 5-1 lead. That was the Canes' first short-handed marker of the season. Before the end of the period, Mark Stone would get his 10th of the year for the Wheat Kings to cut the Lethbridge lead to 5-2. That's the way the period would end. Brandon out shot Lethbridge 13-7 in the second period and held the edge 24-21 after 40 minutes of the play.
In the third, the Hurricanes ended an 0 for 25 goalless streak on the power play when Graham Hood scored his second of the night to give the Canes' a 6-2 lead. Alex Kuvaev made a beautiful move to set up Hood on that goal. The Wheat kings wouldn't give up. Before the end of the game, the Wheaties would get one more when Dominik Favreau scored his second of the game to make it 6-3 Lethbridge, but that would be as close as Brandon would get in this one. The Wheaties out shot Lethbridge 35-31. Power Plays: Brandon 1/5 Lethbridge 1/4
In summary, I don't think Lethbridge fans could've asked for more from the Canes' last night. They finally got some offence going at home and played well to boot from start to finish. They played hard and were rewarded for their effort. I thought they were a very determined team last night and that may have been their best 60 minute effort this season. They went to the net, moved the puck with authority, and it paid off. They got goals from five different players in the win. The victory puts the Hurricanes above .500 again with a record of 6-5-0-3 on the season. The Canes' also ended a long 0 for 25 power play drought on home ice with a goal on the man advantage from Graham Hood. The Wheat Kings did look a bit tired after a long road trip. Not an excuse I'm sure Kelly McCrimmon would use for his team, but Brandon did not give up despite the score. The Wheaties came out flat in the first period and the Hurricanes took advantage of that. The two teams will play again November 12th in Brandon.
Dylan Tait made his second consecutive start in goal for Lethbridge last night. He played well stopping 32 of 35 shots he faced. Brandon Anderson backed up Tait. Anderson has been hit by the flu bug this week. He should be ready go for the Canes' in the coming days. He practiced for the first time Friday after being out with illness for five days. Brody Sutter finally saw regular season action last night. Sutter has missed the entire season up to last evening with a shoulder injury. Sutter only played a few shifts in the first period before leaving the game after apparently re-aggravating the shoulder. What his status is going forward isn't known right now.
Next Up
The Hurricanes are off for a few days before getting into a very busy stretch starting mid-week. The Canes' will play four games in five nights. On Wednesday the Hurricanes will play the Tigers in Medicine Hat. Friday, they'll play in Cranbrook against the surging Kootenay ICE. Then Saturday it's back home to face Kamloops and Sunday the Tigers will make their first visit to the ENMAX Centre. As always, all the action on 94.1, CJOC.
Thanks,
Pat
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You could tell Brandon was tired but that was a good effort by the canes. Entertaining game. Thats the energy and work ethic we need every game. Good game Guys!
ReplyDeleteps we need to pick up the first kid named Hurri Cane. Wheaton King's parents get the superfans award. Thought it was April 1 tonight. How could he ever play anywhere else? When he is 21 his hockey days are done unless he starts coaching for brandon.