WHL Edmonton Oil Kings

Oil Kings Continue To Dominate Red Deer

February 26, 2009 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Edmonton Oil Kings News Release


Edmonton, AB - The Western Hockey League playoffs aren't for another three weeks, but for the Edmonton Oil Kings their time is now.

Facing the heat and the pressure of the playoff race for the first time in modern franchise history, the Oil Kings kept a grasp in the playoff race with a 4-1 win over the visiting Red Deer Rebels Wednesday night in front of 5,691 fans at Rexall Place.

They improved their record to 27-31-2-5 and kept pace with the Prince Albert Raiders for the final playoff spot in the WHL's Eastern Conference.

"Well, we won," said Oil Kings head coach Steve Pleau, who was visibly upset with the effort in the victory.

"But when your team gets outworked in every aspect of the game... we won because of 'Junger' (Torrie Jung) I expect a little more than that.

Dowd gave the Oil Kings an early 1-0 lead just over four minutes into the contest. The 20-year-old parked himself in front of the net and jumped all over an errant shot from Brent Raedeke to lift a backhand past Rebels goaltender Cam Gorchynski (0-3), who made seven saves and was pulled after the Oil Kings third goal by Dowd.

The Oil Kings battled with consistency, particularly in the third period, but all four of their goals were a result of hard work in the offensive zone.

"That's playoff hockey. You finish your hits, you create your turnover, and you put the puck at the net. When we did that tonight, we were effective, but you've got to do that for 60 minutes and we didn't do that," added Pleau.

Jung (18-17-1-5) made 34 saves and co-captain Dowd continued his hot streak scoring two goals and one assist to lead the Oil Kings. Dowd's three points gives him 16 points in his last 14 games.

Tomas Vincour chipped in with two goals and Red Deer got their only goal off the stick of forward Jordie Deagle.

"I thought (Jung) was in control. They threw a lot of pucks at the net, and to be honest, they didn't get a bounce until early in the third period," replied Pleau.

"Their game plan was to throw pucks at the net, and 'Junger' controlled them. He was always in position, and he was very, very good."

It was Vincour's fifth game back after missing 13 games with a shoulder injury. Since his return, he's formed strong chemistry with Dowd and Clayton Cumiskey.

The trio supplied all four goals for Edmonton.

"I am connecting with (Tomas) Vincour the past couple of games and 'Killer' (Cumiskey) is a guy that is going to work hard every shift and get the puck for us," said Dowd.

What a difference one season makes. Last year, Red Deer was a thorn in the side of the Oil Kings as they struggled against their division rivals.

This year, Edmonton has Red Deer's number as they've improved to 3-0-0-1 and have taken seven of a possible eight points from the Rebels. The Oil Kings have eight games left on their 2008-09 regular season and will face the Rebels two more times.

After just finishing a seven-game road trip this month, the Oil Kings will head right back on the road when they face the Swift Current Broncos and the Moose Jaw Warriors this weekend.

The Oil Kings next home game is March 6, against the Broncos and it will be Faith and Family Night. Hip-Hop group and two-time Grammy award winner GRITS will perform during intermissions and Edmonton Eskimo Patrick Kabongo will be a guest speaker after the game.

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Western Hockey League Stories from February 26, 2009


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