WHL Edmonton Oil Kings

Edmonton Oil Kings Drop A Barn-Burner To Regina

Published on October 15, 2008 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Edmonton Oil Kings News Release


Edmonton, AB - The Edmonton Oil Kings definitely have no problems scoring goals. They scored 5 Wednesday night against Regina but unfortunately that wasn't enough. The Pats scored a couple of late goals in the third period to salvage a 7 - 5 win at Rexall Place. Matt Delahey wasn't hot-doggin' it by any means but he was the top dog for the visitors on the first Weiner Wednesday at Rexall Place. The Moose Jaw native finished with 4 points while Brett Breitkreuz ended up with his second straight 3 point night in an entertaining affair from start to finish.

"It's no fun when you lose." said Oil Kings Head Coach Steven Pleau when referring to coaching in high scoring games. "If we did some smarter things there's no question we could've won that game. Both teams were executing offensively throwing pucks to the net. Pucks had eyes tonight but it's disappointing because we gave up some very easy goals that need not be."

"Defensively we were not sound." admitted Oil Kings co-captain Brenden Dowd. "We took a lot of penalties tonight again and it's going to cost you. We gave up 7 goals this game and we gave up a lot last game so we just need to bear down in our 'D' zone."

The game started with a decent pace and not many whistles through the first 5 minutes. The shots were about even but when the Pats had a chance, they buried it. Scott Doucet opened the scoring at 4:49. Jordan Weal actually did a lot of the work down low and drew both Oil Kings defenseman to the corner and Doucet was left wide open in front. Doucet's 4th of the year made gave the visitors the early edge.

A few shifts later, Regina caught Edmonton scrambling a bit while the Pats were enjoying their first powerplay of the game. This time it was 20-year-old Michael McAngus in the corner. He centered a pass for Matt Strueby who was waiting at the backdoor. His first attempt went off the side of the net but he buried his rebound for his team leading 8th of the season. All of a sudden, it was 2 - 0.

The Oil Kings thought they opened the scoring a little later on when the top line was buzzing on the powerplay. Brenden Dowd swept a loose puck past Regina goalie Damien Keltlo. He beat the goalie but a defenseman cleared the puck just before it rolled completely over the line.

Edmonton didn't give up though and finally got on the board thanks to their powerplay that's really starting to heat up as of late. It helps when you have a 2 man advantage as well. Craig McCallum was working the point and slid it to the right wing for Brenden Dowd who quickly found a seam and set up Brett Breitkreuz for the one-timer. Breitkreuz had his team leading 8th goal and it was 2 - 1.

The Oil Kings tied it up before the period was through. This time Breitkreuz was the set-up guy on a very similar play to the first goal. Rookie Mark Pysyk pulled the trigger on the one-timer for his first of the season. Brandon Lockerby also kept his point streak alive at 5 games with an assist. It was 2 - 2.

Regina re-gained their lead early in the second. A point shot from L.A. Kings first round draft pick Colton Teubert took a hot bounce off the end boards and ended up right on the stick of Jordan Weal. His 4th of the year made it 3 - 2.

Edmonton has connected on the powerplay 3 times in back to back games now. Their third powerplay goal this night was a product of some good puck control and just getting the puck to the net. The Oil Kings crowded the slot and Breitkreuz snapped a rebound past Ketlo for his second of the game and 9th of the season. Craig McCallum and Brenden Dowd picked up the helpers and the game was tied at 3.

The Oil Kings caught a bit of a break exactly one minute later. A turn over in the neutral zone allowed Brent Raedeke to gain the Pats zone and fire a long range wrister on net that beat a stunned Ketlo. Raedeke's 5th of the year gave the home team a 4 - 3 lead.

Another communication breakdown lead to the Pats 4th goal. A scrum developed along the boards right at the hash marks deep in Edmonton territory. Everyone seemed to be over there except Slovakian import Tomas Hricina. He was left all alone in front. Matt Strueby won the battle along the boards and Hricina had enough time to make 3 or 4 moves if he needed. His deke to the backhand beat Dalyn Flette and the game was tied at 4 heading into the 2nd intermission.

Regina scored another timely goal to start the third period. This time it only took them 31 seconds to find the back of the net. Weal made a nice pass to Edmonton Oilers first round draft pick Jordan Eberle who beat Flette on the backhand. Eberle's 7th of the season made it 5 - 4.

Edmonton tied it up on a gutsy individual effort from Czech import Robin Soudek. Pats defenseman Mike Scarborough tried to pinch at the Oil Kings line. Soudek lifted his stick and had a breakaway. He wound up for a big slap shot just as he crossed the Pats blue line and absolutely wired a shot, top shelf to the blocker side. His first career goal tied it at 5 and set up the wild finish.

The Pats had the final surge. Tomas Hricina scored the eventual game winning goal with just over 3 minutes to go. He was providing the screen in front when Matt Delahey ripped a shot from the point. The puck deflected off Hricina's shin pad and in for the go-ahead goal.

The insurance goal came just 9 seconds later from Garrett Mitchell to make the final 7 - 5. Edmonton's record slips to 5-6-1-0 while the Pats snap a 2 game losing skid and improve their record to 5-3-1-2. Next up for the Oil Kings will be their first Minor Hockey Night of the Season this Friday against the Prince George Cougars. The first 2500 kids will receive a free t-shirt. Doors open at 6 p.m. Face-off is at 7 p.m.

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Western Hockey League Stories from October 15, 2008


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