NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Medicine Hat Tigers

Cox Plays Hero in 1-0 Overtime Thriller

March 30, 2015 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Medicine Hat Tigers News Release


Medicine Hat, AB -- Every journalist and fan in junior hockey could have predicted that the series between the Medicine Hat Tigers and Red Deer Rebels was going to be tight checking and down to the wire. Sunday night was no exception as both clubs battled hard to take the next game, there seemed at times no room to breathe on the ice as passes were deflected and shots blocked.

The opening frame of this game started the same way as the game Saturday night, with sticks in the lanes, bodies flying and lots of transitions. It was another typical boring period for a fan looking for lots of scoring chances and opportunities as it was the masked men who stole the show, Marek Langhamer and Rylan Toth had yet another epic battle against each other, seemingly unable to allow a goal in this one. The Tigers would get one power play in the frame, while the Rebels would manage only a few shots on goal on a 5 on 3 opportunity late. The game remained scoreless heading into the break.

The second period was much very similar to the first with the only opportunity being a Tigers power play. It seemed as though the Tigers were due to score with power shots like Tommy Vannelli and Dryden Hunt in the lineup. The duo would get their fair share of shots in the period as the game continued to be locked down by the tactical systems set in by each coach. The period would remain scoreless after 40 minutes.

In the third frame, Medicine Hat was put into a do or die position when they were called for a cross check just 3 minutes into the period. The forward duo of Chad Labelle and Blake Penner on the second penalty kill unit did their job, blocking shots and clearing the puck. Then it was the captain's turn as Tyler Lewington head manned 2 rushes into the Rebels zone where the 20 year old kept chase on the puck, not allowing the Rebels defenders to breathe. The Tigers fans in attendance gave their boys an arousing applause for a job well done.

The Tigers also had their opportunity to take the lead when Rebels captain Conner Bleackley speared Trevor Cox in the stomach, resulting in a 4 minutes man advantage. The Tigers were unable to produce anything on the opportunity as the Rebels played their penalty kill similar to the Tigers earlier in the period. Medicine Hat and the Rebels would remain scoreless in the period that saw lots of close chances for both sides, which meant the game headed to any extra period.

Now in the playoff sometimes it is uncertain on whether or not overtime will last 1 period or 4 more periods, but for the fans who stick out the extra time in their seats it means tense action. The Arena was silent on line rushes for Red Deer and just as silent for the Tigers as they held their breath waiting for the goal to be scored.

And then... it happened....

The Rebels were caught on a line change as Ty Stanton found Cole Sanford fresh off the bench, Sanford dished the puck to the Tigers regular season points leader who skated into the corner untouched. Now normally, the Cox we know would pass the puck (he had 80 assists) and Rebels goaltender Rylan Toth thought the same thing as Cox would catch the cheating goaltender off his post and fired the puck shortside to win the game in dramatic fashion sending the Tigers faithful home happy.

TIGERS FAST FACTS

The Tigers last played an overtime game in the postseason last year, March 26th against the Swift Current Broncos, the Tigers lost 2-1 Marek Langhamer recorded his 3rd shutout of the season combined with the regular season, and his first career playoff shutout Rylan Toth made 36 saves in the losing effort, but was a catalyst in the Rebels staying in the game With the game winner, Trevor Cox extended his point streak to 9 games

Three Stars of the Game:

1. Marek Langhamer - MH - (27 saves, W, SO)

2. Rylan Toth - RD - (36 saves)

3. Trevor Cox - MH - (1G, GWG)

The Tigers have a couple days off before heading to Red Deer for Game 3 of this series as it shifts to the Centrium Wednesday and Thursday nights.

Check out the Medicine Hat Tigers Statistics

• Discuss this story on the Western Hockey League message board...

Western Hockey League Stories from March 30, 2015


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.

OurSports Central