Oil Kings Salvage Point Versus Lethbridge
Published on December 30, 2009 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Edmonton Oil Kings News Release
EDMONTON, AB - The Edmonton Oil Kings rallied late to force overtime but had to settle for a single point in a 2 - 1 shootout loss to Lethbridge in the first game back from the Christmas break. A late powerplay goal earned the home team a single point and now the Oil Kings have picked up 5 of a possible 6 points in the last 3 games on Rexall Place Ice.
Special teams played a key role in Edmonton's first game since December 19th. The Oil Kings killed eight of nine penalties and they managed to score the equalizer on a crucial 5 on 3 man advantage late in the third period.
Mark Pysyk scored his seventh goal of the season for the Oil Kings with just 2:17 remaining. Pysyk's goal snapped a scoreless streak of 133:45
Former Oil King Brent Henke scored a power play marker in the second period for the Canes and Hurricanes captain Carter Bancks scored the shootout winner in front of 4,004 fans at Rexall Place.
"Our penalty kill was absolutely outstanding," said Oil Kings head coach Steve Pleau.
"They battled like heck, they blocked a lot of shots, got in lanes and did all the little things that we wanted to see on the penalty kill all year, and that was a big positive for us. It kept us in the game. But you can't take nine penalties. You give a team a chance to stay in the game. There was probably only one I didn't agree with and I thought the guys (officials) did a pretty good job."
"It's big tying it up, but when it's there (the win). " said Oil Kings defenseman Mark Pysyk. "The two points are what you're always going for. It's still not good just getting the one."
The Oil Kings will try to get back into the win column on home ice on New Year's Eve against the Memorial Cup host Brandon Wheat Kings. There will be a special start time of 5 p.m.
It's the only Thirsty Thursday event of the season where Oil Kings fans can drink pop for just $1. There will also be a special fireworks display after the game that will help ring in the New Year.
Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling (780) 414-GOAL (4625) or online at oilkings.ca.
Western Hockey League Stories from December 30, 2009
- Blades Hold On For 4-3 Victory In Seattle - Saskatoon Blades
- Americans Trade Martyniuk To Regina - Tri-City Americans
- Calgary Hitmen Donate Over $7,000 To Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank - Calgary Hitmen
- Sbisa Punches Ticket To Vancouver Olympics - Lethbridge Hurricanes
- Blades Alumnus Erat Makes Team Czech Republic - Saskatoon Blades
- Wheat Kings Obtain Veteran Raedeke - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Blades Begin Tour Of U.S. Division Against T-Birds - Saskatoon Blades
- Canada Improves To 3-0 - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Pechurskiy Blanks 'Tips 1-0 In WHL Debut - Tri-City Americans
- Brad Ross And Ryan Johansen Combine For Seven Points In 4-3 Win - Portland Winterhawks
- Americans Shut Out Silvertips, 1-0 - Everett Silvertips
- Oil Kings Salvage Point Versus Lethbridge - Edmonton Oil Kings
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