Hurricanes Fall 3-0; Series Tied 1-1
Lethbridge, AB – The Lethbridge Hurricanes had designs on taking a 2-0 series lead heading to Regina, but the Pats played a perfect road game as they tied the series at one game apiece with a 3-0 win.
It was a game that was the complete opposite of Game One as it was far more methodical and tight. Despite that, Adam Brooks was again a huge factor as he potted two goals including the game-winner while being named first star of the game. Stuart Skinner was again sharp making countless saves keeping the ‘Canes in it but Lethbridge just couldn’t find their offence.
The Hurricanes had their chances early in the game including a Ryley Lindgren breakaway by Tyler Brown made a big save and that was a sign of things to come. Carter Folk had a partial breakaway later in the period but again Brown got just a piece of a backhand shot and steered it wide. The ‘Canes were outshot 11-8 in the opening period but were held without a shot in the final nine minutes of the period.
It continued to be a chess match early in the second period until Brooks opened the scoring on a defensive breakdown by the Hurricanes. Riley Woods on a strong forecheck dug out the puck and centered to Brooks who was all alone in the slot and he outwaited Skinner before snapping home his second of the series making it 1-0 Pats. The ‘Canes picked their game up in the back-half of the period, but a power play looked disjointed didn’t help them sustain any attack or momentum as the Pats led 1-0 after two periods of play. Hurricanes held the edge in shots in the middle frame 8-7.
Brooks put the ‘Canes down 2-0 on a partial breakaway as he snuck one under the arm of the Skinner just 1:35 into the third period as he was sprung by Austin Wagner. The ‘Canes tried to generate something as they reunited Tyler Wong with Brayden Burke and Giorgio Estephan and had a few good shifts including a Burke goal post but they just could not get anything by Brown. Another power play mid-period proved ineffective. The ‘Canes pulled the goalie late in the game but Sam Steel redirected a Cole Sanford shot to seal the 3-0 victory.
The Hurricanes outshot the Pats 11-10 in the third period but Regina held the edge 28-27 in the game. Lethbridge was 0/3 on the power play while Regina was 0/1.
Three stars of the game were:
1) Pats – #77 Adam Brooks – (2 goals, including game-winner)
2) Pats – #31 Tyler Brown – (27 saves, shutout)
3) ‘Canes – #74 Stuart Skinner – (25 saves)
The win for the Pats steals home ice advantage away from the Hurricanes as it evens the series at 1-1. The series now shifts to Regina for Games 3 and 4 on Tuesday and Wednesday before returning to Lethbridge for Game 5 on Friday night.
(Photo Credit: Tyler Barrett)
