PLAYOFF PREVIEW: Pats Return Home for Game 3 with Series Even

Regina, Sask. — Playoff hockey returns to the Queen City on Tuesday night as the Regina Pats host Game 3 of their first-round series against the Medicine Hat Tigers at the Brandt Centre.

WHL PLAYOFF GAME #3 | Regina Pats (25-34-7-2) at Medicine Hat Tigers (50-10-5-3)

GAME PREVIEW

With the best-of-seven matchup tied 1-1, the Pats will look to build on momentum from a bounce-back win and deliver in front of their home crowd for the first time since April 8, 2023.

Regina responded in a big way in Game 2, earning a 4-2 victory in Medicine Hat with a much sharper defensive effort and timely scoring throughout the lineup. After surrendering six goals in the series opener, the Pats tightened things up considerably, holding the Tigers to just two goals, something they accomplished only a handful of times during the regular season.

Goaltender Marek Schlenker was a steady presence in Game 2, turning aside 21 shots and coming up with key saves late as the Tigers pushed for an equalizer. His performance will be crucial again in Game 3 as the Pats look to establish control on home ice.

Offensively, Regina has found contributions up and down the lineup through the first two games. Zachary Lansard opened the scoring in Game 2 with a first-period tip, while Ephram McNutt restored the lead in the second with a strong individual effort. Ruslan Karimov added what stood as the game-winner early in the third, and Jace Egland continued his strong start to the series with an empty-net goal, giving him goals in back-to-back games.

Egland has been one of Regina’s most dangerous forwards early in the series, using his speed and skill to generate chances, including a highlight-reel goal in Game 1 that briefly gave the Pats the lead.

While Game 2 showed the Pats’ ability to lock things down defensively, Game 1 served as a reminder of the Tigers’ offensive firepower. Medicine Hat erupted for four straight goals in the second period of the opener, powered by a natural hat trick from Jonas Woo and a power-play goal from Bryce Pickford. Limiting those momentum swings will be a key focus for Regina heading into Game 3.

Special teams could also play a pivotal role. Through two games, the Pats are still searching for their first power-play goal of the series, going a combined 0-for-8, while the Tigers have converted once. Finding a breakthrough with the man advantage could be the difference in what figures to be a tightly contested game.

With the series now a best-of-five, the Pats have an opportunity to seize control on home ice.

WHO TO WATCH

Jace Egland is a player to keep an eye on heading into Game 3 after scoring in back-to-back contests to open the series. The Eastend, Sask. product has been one of Regina’s most reliable forwards, delivering a go-ahead goal in Game 1 and adding a key empty-netter in Saturday’s 4-2 win. Coming off a career season with 11 goals and 18 points in 56 games, Egland continues to make his impact felt in all areas of the ice. Known for his speed, defensive awareness, and shot-blocking ability, he remains a crucial piece on the Pats’ penalty kill while now providing timely offence when it matters most.

COMING UP

The Regina Pats take on the Medicine Hat Tigers in game four of this first round matchup on Wednesday, April 1 at the Brandt Centre. Game five will be on Saturday, April 4 in Medicine Hat. If needed, game six will be at the Brandt Centre on Sunday, April 5.