REGINA — The Regina Pats finally finished what they started on Wednesday.

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A strong first period helped the Pats snap a three-game losing skid as they held off a late third-period charge for a 3-2 decision over the short-staffed Lethbridge Hurricanes.

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Regina took advantage of a team that was forced to play with just 16 skaters — two short of a full lineup — due to injuries and suspensions. Head coach Michael Dyck, super-pest Kyle Beach, forward Dwight King and forward Craig Orfino were all serving WHL suspensions while defenceman Eric Mestery sat out due to a head injury.

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With the win, Regina (23-24-1-5) moved into sole possession of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Lethbridge (25-23-2-2) is in seventh place, two points up on Regina.

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“It was huge; a really good effort,” said Pats GM Brent Parker. “They were missing a couple guys but … we did a lot of good things. It was as good as we’ve played defensively in a long time. We had a lot of good performances from a lot of guys.”

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The Pats outshot Lethbridge 19-6 in the first period and outscored them 2-0 courtesy of goals by Brett Leffler (his team-leading 28th) and rookie Graham Hood.

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Regina maintained its 2-0 edge through 40 minutes despite being outshot 14-3 and having to kill the only three power plays of the second period.

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The Pats added an insurance marker 3:59 into the third period when a shot from outside the blueline by Jesse Dudas beat goaltender Juha Metsola, who got caught leaving his crease early.

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That piece of good fortune would eventually loom large.

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Lethbridge broke Linden Rowat’s shutout bid with 8:23 left in regulation on a power-play goal by Zach Boychuk, then Colton Sceviour made it 3-2 while shorthanded with 1:38 remaining.

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The Hurricanes pulled Metsola for an extra attacker in the closing seconds, but couldn’t beat Rowat, who finished with 25 saves. Metsola stopped 26 shots in a losing cause.

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The third period has been Regina’s Achilles heel of late, but on Wednesday the breaks went their way.

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“(The nervous finish) just speaks to our confidence level right now but we found a way,” added Parker. “We understand it’s a long ways to getting where we need to be but it’s a real good step.”

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EXTRAS: Boychuk made his return from an ankle injury suffered while helping Canada win a gold medal at this year’s world junior championship … Regina’s scratches were D Alex Pym (healthy), LW Tomas Hricina (healthy) and D Matt Delahey (shoulder) … Regina went 2-for-6 on the power play. Lethbridge was 1-for-9 … The Pats continue their five-game road swing on Saturday against the Edmonton Oil Kings.

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