Pats Try to Even Series in Second Game
Head-to-Head
The Regina Pats and Brandon Wheat Kings head into the second game of the Eastern Conference Quarter-Finals with Brandon having jumped out to a 1-0 lead on the road in this best of seven series on the strength of a 6-3 win. Three Pats had two point nights (Gay, Hunt, Stephenson) in the contest. Rookie Jesse Gabrielle was the top point getter last night posting a goal and two assists for the Wheat Kings. Both powerplays tallied on with the Pats going 1/3 and the Wheat Kings going 1/6 with the man advantage. This evening’s game can be heard on 620 CKRM starting at 6:00 p.m.
Rock the Red – Series presented by Fries Tallman Lumber
Last night’s sellout crowd was a great way for Regina to start to “Rock the Red”. Fans are encouraged wear red to home games throughout the playoffs. Lucky fans at both home games this weekend will receive a Pats noisemaker they can bring with them to both games. If you were at Saturday’s game, remember to bring yours back to add to the atmosphere!
Game One Recap
The Pats started the contest with early jump and nearly opened the scoring when Chandler Stephenson hit the post. That proved to be a key moment as the Wheat Kings turned the first period into a rout, scoring four times to lead 4-0 after one. The Pats fought back into the game in the second, coming out down 5-3. They nearly made it a one goal game in the third, but goaltender Jordan Papirny robbed Connor Gay to maintain the lead. The visitors added one more shortly after to ice the game and take a 1-0 series lead with a 6-3 win.
First Playoff Points
Connor Gay and Dryden Hunt both tallied a goal and an assist last night to earn their first WHL playoff points. It was Gay’s first WHL playoff game and Hunt’s fourth. Morgan Klimchuk scored his first playoff goal in the contest as well.
Solid Backup
Tyler Fuhr played over 43 minutes to make his WHL playoff debut last night, making 23 saves on 25 shots. In 80 minutes as a Pat between the Regular Season and Playoffs, Fuhr has stopped 29/32 shots for a 2.25 GAA and a 0.906 SV%.
Who to Watch on Brandon
Rookie Jesse Gabrielle had a brilliant WHL playoff debut last night at the Brandt Centre, picking up three points in the Wheat Kings’ victory. The Moosomin, SK native had 26 points (12G, 14A) in the Regular Season.
Upcoming Games
Game Three at Brandon – Wednesday, March 26th, 6:00 p.m. CST – Westman Place (CKRM)
Game Four at Brandon – Friday, March 28th, 6:30 p.m. CST – Westman Place (CKRM)
Streaks
6 – Morgan Klimchuk is on a six game point streak (reg. season/playoffs) with 7 points (3G, 4A)
4 – Connor Gay is on a four game goal streak with five goals (5G)
3 – Dyson Stevenson enters the playoffs with points in his last three games played with 7 points (3G, 4A)
