WHL Edmonton Oil Kings

Complete Performance Propels Oil Kings to Game One Win

Published on April 22, 2022 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Edmonton Oil Kings News Release


Edmonton, AB - The Edmonton Oil Kings took a 1-0 series lead in their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal Series against the Lethbridge Hurricanes on Thursday thanks to a 4-1 win on the opening night of the WHL Playoffs.

BOX SCORE | HIGHLIGHTS | REACTION | PHOTOS

For the first time 1,089 days, the Oil Kings dropped the puck on a playoff game and in the first period, it's safe to say both teams were looking to shake out the nerves.

Edmonton outshot the Hurricanes in the first period 10-9 but it would be Lethbridge with the best opportunity with under five minutes left in the frame after Justin Hall streaked in alone on a shorthanded breakaway but was thwarted by a left pad save from Sebastian Cossa to keep the teams scoreless at the first intermission.

In the second period, the Oil Kings were able to settle in as they dominated the play outshooting the Hurricanes 22-6 and were rewarded with a pair of goals.

With just over 10 minutes left in the middle stanza, Carter Souch took a centering pass from Jakub Demek and snapped a shot past a screened Bryan Thomson to give Edmonton the 1-0 lead.

Just over five minutes later, with the Oil Kings on the power play, they increased their lead to two after Kaiden Guhle spotted Dylan Guenther in the left circle for a one-time blast that eluded Thomson.

In the third period, Thomson would keep the 'Canes within two for as long he could as the Oil Kings pressed for another insurance marker and finally with just over five minutes left in regulation, Jalen Luypen made it 3-0 after flying into the right-wing circle on a two-on-one and lasering home a wrist shot.

Luke Prokop expanded the lead once more for Edmonton after Lethbridge elected to pull Thomson in favour of an extra attacker in the final minutes. Prokop lifted the puck down the ice and into the empty net from inside his own blueline.

The Hurricanes were able to spoil Cossa's shutout before the final buzzer after Tyson Laventure wired in a one-timer on a late Lethbridge man-advantage.

Cossa finished the night making 25 saves for his first career playoff win, while Thomson turned away 44 shots in the losing effort. The Oil Kings were 1-for-4 on the power play, the Hurricanes were 1-for-5.

Next up, the Oil Kings and Hurricanes faceoff in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal Series at 7:00 PM on Saturday night at Rogers Place.

Edmonton Oil Kings Playoff Passes are on-sale now. For only $129/seat, you get access to every Oil Kings home playoff game. The more we play, the less you pay! To purchase, click here.

The Oil Kings next home playoff game is Saturday, April 23 against the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

Join the conversation on social media by using #ChaseTheCrown for all your social media posts during the Oil Kings 2022 post-season run!

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Western Hockey League Stories from April 22, 2022


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