Playoff Hopes Kept Alive in Overtime Win over Lethbridge
The Calgary Hitmen welcomed the Lethbridge Hurricanes to the Scotiabank Saddledome as they headed into their final push for post season hockey. Calgary would come out victorious with a thrilling 3-2 overtime win.
The game began with a goal for the Hitmen history books with Maxim Muranov scoring just six seconds in, making it the fastest start in franchise history. Following up was Carson Wetsch who potted his 23rd of the season to make it 2-0 heading into the second period.
Lethbridge would crack the scoreboard just under five minutes into the second period with Luke Cozen’s first WHL goal to cut the lead in half. Calgary would go on to kill three penalties in the period to keep Lethbridge at bay.
Calgary would hold onto the 2-1 lead for most of the final frame. With Harrison Meneghin on the Lethbridge bench, and an extra attacker, Brayden Edwards would tie the game with under two minutes remaining sending the game to overtime. With 1:48 left on the clock in overtime, rookie defenceman Reese Hamilton found a rebound off a shot from Connor Dale to win it for Calgary. Shots finished up 48-24 with Ethan Buenaventura making 22 saves in his 11th straight start.
The two points gained tonight keep Calgary’s playoff hopes alive putting them within 3 points of the Prince Albert Raiders for the final playoff spot.
Calgary now heads to Saskatchewan for their final two road games of the season beginning Wednesday, Mar. 20 in Saskatoon against the Blades. It’s then off to Swift Current for the first of a home-and-home set with the Broncos on Friday, Mar. 22. The rematch is the following day in the Hitmen regular season finale on Saturday, Mar. 23. Game time is 6:00 p.m. at Scotiabank Saddledome featuring the on-ice player awards prior to puck drop.