In a save-for-save showdown this game came down to a shootout and which team wanted it more. Max Paddock out-dueled Carl Tetachuk between the pipes in a 2-1 decision. Sergei Alkhimov with the shootout winner. Paddock maked 38 saves in a very impressive performance while getting the win. Tetachuk countered with 29 saves in a losing cause.
With not much to write home about through forty minutes of play, the Hurricanes and Pats were deadlocked at zeroes. Meanwhile the shot clock read just a one shot advantage at 24-23 for the home side. Both teams also were 0-for-1 on the powerplay.
Neither team gave an inch and it set up a final period showdown.
Blake Allen broke the ice just 1:15 into the final period, Kyle Walker and Ryker Evans assisted on Allen’s first goal of the season, giving Regina the 1-0 lead.
Lethbridge would pour it on to answer to falling behind but Paddock was spectacular, he made ten third period saves. Unfortunately for the Pats, he was unable to stop every shot.
The pressure from the home team finally paid off when Taylor Ross managed to find the net at 13:57 of the period. Jake Elmer collected the lone assist. That goal would set the stage for extra time.
Overtime would solve nothing. The Hurricanes had the bulk of the chances but once again Paddock had the answer. Another five saves in the three-on-three period for the Brandon product.
This game needed a shootout to find a winner.
Jordy Bellerive scored the lone goal for the Hurricanes while Ty Kolle and Sergei Alkimov both found the net for the Pats to help secure the win.
Shooting the breeze: Paddock was the story of this game in earning first star honors. Tetachuk and Alkimov scored stars two and three. The Hurricanes and Pats were both unsuccessful on the powerplay going 0-for-3 and 0-for-2 respectively. Lethbridge is 3-0-0-2 in their last 5 games and will welcome Moose Jaw on Friday for their next action. Regina will be in Calgary to battle the Hitmen in the Corral series tonight.
