WHL Edmonton Oil Kings

Oil Kings Comeback Falls Short

Published on May 7, 2012 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Edmonton Oil Kings News Release


Portland, OR - The Edmonton Oil Kings mounted a furious comeback with all of their goals in the third period but were defeated 4-3 by the Portland Winterhawks in Game 3 of the WHL Championship Series presented by Kal Tire and Husky. Martin Gernat led the way for Edmonton with a goal and an assist while Michael St. Croix chipped in a pair of helpers for a two point night.

With the loss, the Oil Kings now trail the Winterhawks 2-1 in the best of seven WHL Championship Series.

Like a classic heavyweight tilt, both Edmonton and Portland exchanged chances in the first. Both teams showed off their skill and speed but solid goaltending from the Oil Kings' Laurent Brossoit and the Winterhawks' Mac Carruth kept the game scoreless.

Edmonton was able to kill off a large part of a lengthy power play when Henrik Samuelsson received a double minor for high sticking. The period also featured a pair of fights between Keegan Lowe and Joe Morrow and Jordan Peddle and Brad Ross. The latter combatants would be ejected with game misconducts.

A defensive miscue allowed Sven Bartschi to open the scoring early in the second period.

The Hawks would add a pair of power play breakaway goals just 29 seconds apart to make it a 3-0 game after 40 minutes of play.

Edmonton's push started with a power play goal to start the final frame. Martin Gernat's end-to-end rush was finished off with a nice feed to Henrik Samuelsson for his third of the playoffs. However, Portland cashed in on another Oil Kings defensive turnover to make it a 4-1 deficit with just over 15 minutes to play.

Gernat took a feed from Michael St.Croix and ripped home his seventh of the playoffs to make it a 4-2 game. Less than 3 minutes later, Keegan Lowe created some space on the rush and snapped home a top shelf, wrist shot that beat Carruth to the glove side to make it a 4-3 game. A controversial check during the goal celebration from Portland Captain William Wrenn resulted in Mitch Moroz being taken from the ice. That was as close as Edmonton would come despite two close calls in the dying minutes of regulation. The Oil Kings out shot the Hawks 23-7 in the final period but could not find an equalizer. Brossoit made 29 saves in the loss.

Edmonton will now have a day between games to regroup. Game 4 of the WHL Championship Series is set for Tuesday night in Portland. Game time is set for 8:00 p.m. Edmonton time. All games are broadcast on Team 1260, Edmonton's Sports Radio. The entire WHL Championship will be broadcast in high definition on SHAW TV.

The Oil Kings last home playoff game had a paid attendance of 10,720 - the largest playoff crowd in Oil Kings franchise history. As a thank you to fans for their continued support throughout the entire season, ATB Financial and the Oil Kings will offer 10,000 tickets for both Games 5 and *Game 7 of this series versus the Portland Winterhawks for just $20. Tickets for both future games will go on sale Monday at 10:00 a.m. Game 5 of the series is scheduled for Thursday May 10th, 7:00 p.m. Game 7, if necessary, will be played Sunday May 13th, 7:00 p.m. at Rexall Place. Tickets will be available at oilkings.ca, at the Oil Kings Ticket office at TELUS Field (10233-96 Avenue) during regular business hours Monday through Friday, by calling (780) 414-GOAL (4625) or at the door.

Now is the best time to become an Oil Kings Season Seat Holder for 2012-13. Secure your seat for next year with a $100 deposit per seat and receive tickets for the first round of the 2013 WHL Playoffs for FREE. For season tickets, contact the Oil Kings Ticket Office at (780) 414-GOAL (4625).

WHL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES SCHEDULE (All Times MDT)

Portland leads the series 2-1

Thursday, May 3 - Portland (2) at Edmonton (3)

Friday, May 4 - Portland (5) at Edmonton (1)

Sunday, May 6 - Edmonton (3) at Portland (4)

Tuesday, May 8 - Edmonton at Portland - 8:00 p.m. @ Rose Garden

Thursday, May 10 - Portland at Edmonton - 7:00 p.m. @ Rexall Place

*Saturday, May 12 - Edmonton at Portland - 7:00 p.m. @ Rose Garden

*Sunday, May 13 - Portland at Edmonton - 6:00 p.m. @ Rexall Place

*if necessary

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Western Hockey League Stories from May 7, 2012


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