Hitmen Lead Series 2-0; Rebels Drop A 2-1 Game Friday
Published on April 6, 2013 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Red Deer Rebels News Release
CALGARY - Doesn't get much better than this. The Red Deer Rebels fell 2-1 to the Calgary Hitmen Friday at the Saddledome, but fought tooth and nail - and, then some. Rebel fans probably can't wait for Game 3 of the Western Hockey League Round 2 series. Calgary leads the best-of-seven affair 2-0 and, if Friday is any indication, Red Deer is poised to play their best game Monday.
FIRST PERIOD
The Hitmen hit the scoreboard early - 47 seconds in - when Elliott Peterson jumped on a bouncing puck off the end boards and sent one by Red Deer goaltender PATRIK BARTOSAK. Petersen simply out hustled the two - or was it three? - Rebel defenders. Calgary continued their pressure in the first five minutes of the period. Red Deer killed off a five-on-three and needed a few huge saves from Bartosak - including arena robbery on Zane Jones - to keep it a 1-0 game. And the shot clock? Hope you didn't ask: 13-3, Calgary with 4:07 left. But they found the net six times before the horn went and were outshot 14-9.
JORDAN DePAPE was on the right doorstep and shovelled home the 1-1 goal at 17:30 for his first of the playoffs. Victor Rask almost gave the Hitmen the lead in the final minute of play, but rang it off the iron. Red Deer's penalty kill was perfect, killing three of three.
SECOND PERIOD
The Rebels and Hitmen may not have met in the playoffs for nine years, but the rivalry heated up. Calgary's Palvo Padakin collided with MATT BELLERIVE and, at first, there was no call. But, after the officials convened in front of the penalty box, Bellerive was given a five-minute penalty and game misconduct at 7:59. Rebel GM and head coach Brent Sutter was irate, banging a stick on the boards. Emotions? Yeah, baby. The Rebels stepped up their game and went toe-to-toe with the Hitmen.
Rask did some nifty stick handling to get a partial breakaway at 16:43. He snuck in on the right side of Bartosak and went shelf to give Calgary a 2-1 lead. BRADY GAUDET had a great chance on the short side with just over a minute left, but Hitmen made a great pad save. Red Deer was outshot 16-9 in the middle frame and 42-20 over 60 minutes.
THIRD PERIOD
The Rebels had a few good chances in the first five minutes, but Driedger kept shutting the door. Cody Sylvester was left all by himself in front of the Rebel net, causing Bartosak to do more of his magic. They kept coming: Brady Brassart should have had the 3-1 goal but Bartosak saved the day again. Red Deer had a power play with eight minutes left but Calgary did a good job, limiting the Rebels to only a few chances. Red Deer continued good pressure, including a glorious backhand from TURNER ELSON.
With Bartosak off to the bench with 1:31 left the Hitmen did a great job of keeping the puck to the outside and hung on for the win.
MOLSON CUP THREE STARS
1. VICTOR RASK - CGY 2. PATRIK BARTOSAK - RD 3. CHRIS DRIEDGER - CGY
NEXT UP. Game 3, Monday night at the Enmax Centrium.
Western Hockey League Stories from April 6, 2013
- Hitmen Lead Series 2-0; Rebels Drop A 2-1 Game Friday - Red Deer Rebels
- Hitmen lead semi-final series 2-0 - Calgary Hitmen
- Hawks Win Game 1 vs. Spokane 7-2 - Portland Winterhawks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
