RECAP: Hitmen Come Up Short in 4-3 Loss to Oil Kings
Calgary, AB – The Calgary Hitmen wrapped up their home-and-home series with the Edmonton Oil Kings on Saturday night, falling 4-3 at Rogers Place.
Blake Fiddler opened the scoring for Edmonton on the power play, and Jaxon Fuder added another to give the Oil Kings a 2-0 lead heading into the second period. Kayden Stroeder and Miroslav Holinka each found the back of the net in the middle frame, extending Edmonton’s lead to 4-0 through 40 minutes.
Calgary began its comeback bid just 38 seconds into the third period, when Blake Vanek got the Hitmen on the board. A late power play provided another spark, as Vanek struck again to cut the deficit in half. With Aidan Hesse pulled for the extra attacker during another power play opportunity, Caine Wilke capitalized to bring Calgary within one with 54 seconds remaining in regulation. Despite the late surge, the Hitmen ran out of time, with Edmonton holding on for the 4-3 victory.
The Hitmen remain in fourth place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 30-15-6-1.
Calgary opens a five-game homestand with a Family Day Monday, Feb. 16. matinee against the U.S. Division leading Everett Silvertips. Game time is 1:00 p.m. at Scotiabank Saddledome. The Hitmen will then have a full four-day break before hosting Saskatoon on Saturday, Feb. 21 in a 6:00 p.m. start at the ‘Dome.
