WHL Medicine Hat Tigers

Tigers Drop a 4-3 Decision in Overtime

Published on March 16, 2015 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Medicine Hat Tigers News Release


Medicine Hat, AB -- The Medicine Hat Tigers played their second to last regular season home game on Sunday night against a team playing for pride. The Prince Albert Raiders had all been eliminated from the playoff dance this past week but on the heels of the Tigers third game in as many nights and a hot Raider goaltender, Rylan Parenteau.

The opening period was a good defensive battle by both teams as the two haven't seen each other since a game in January, well over 2 months. The pace was quick but was mostly carried by Medicine Hat, as they outshot the Raiders 13-8 in the frame. Both goaltenders were sharp to start the night, especially Parenteau who made some brilliant saves on the Tigers power play to keep the game scoreless.

The second period was both teams find the scoresheet as the Tigers kicked off the night with a power play goal. Chad Butcher was spotted in the "Stamkos area" of the ice, the top of the circle waiting for the one timer, an area made famous by NHLer Steven Stamkos. Butcher took the pass from Tyler Lewington and roofed a puck past Parenteau. The Raiders however would counter just before the period ended catching the Tigers on a long shift, Prince Albert defenseman Jesse Lees found Colton Heffley on the back door and netted just his 7th of the season to knot everything up at 1's heading into the break.

The final frame saw 4 goals scored and not surprised by many, an even split, two a piece. The action started when Craig Leverton found a loose puck and would bang home with 19th of the season to give the Raiders an early lead. With the Raiders pressing hard, Matt Staples decided to switch the momentum, getting into a fight with Dalton Yorke, the energy created by the tilt seemed to work as the Tigers would score just a few minutes later. Steven Owre was battling hard in front of the net on the Tigers 3rd power play of the night and was rewarded when a point shot from Trevor Cox was tipped in by Owre tying the game at 2. Medicine Hat would take the lead 2 minutes later when Matt Bradley showed off his silky smooth hands and dangled Parenteau in close to pot home his 17th of the season.

The Raiders however were relentless with their attack, especially on the penalty kill. Prince Albert would make the Tigers pay after a sloppy pass was picked off by Matteo Gennaro, the 17 year old forward made a move to the backhand on the breakaway to once again tie the game at 3 goals aside. The rest of the third would solve nothing as we were headed to the extra frame.

Overtime brought some tense moments for both side as the goaltenders needed to be strong as both teams battled for the extra point. Medicine Hat would only get one chance on Parenteau before Simon Stransky made a nice individual effort off the half wall, stayed with the puck and wristed a shot home far side on Schneider to hand the Tigers a 4-3 overtime loss.

TIGERS FAST FACTS

Trevor Cox added to his point totals tonight recording 1 assist, he now has a 4 game point streak and 105 points on the season Both goalies in this game were making their first starts in 5 games for their respective clubs Calgary Hitmen won on Sunday afternoon and with the overtime point, the Tigers now sit in second in the Central Division, 1 point back Ty Stanton recorded a point in his first game back after missing 2 games Matt Bradley has scored a goal in back to back games for the first time since Jan. 30, 31

Three Stars of the Game:

1. Rylan Parenteau - PA - (35 saves, W)

2. Matt Bradley - MH - (1G)

3. Steven Owre - MH - (1G)

The Tigers will take a few day to regroup before heading up to Prince Albert on Wednesday night to take on the Raiders for the final time this season.

Check out the Medicine Hat Tigers Statistics

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Western Hockey League Stories from March 16, 2015


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