The Memorial Cup hosting Regina Pats made their way up to Edmonton on their Alberta road swing. They were coming off a 3-2 win over Calgary in overtime last night and had won five of their last six games. Edmonton came into this one having snapped their previous losing streak with an overtime win of their own over Calgary. Edmonton would start ’98-born goalie Josh Dechaine once again, while ’98-born Ryan Kubic would get the nod for Regina.
Edmonton had a great start to the game, dictating the play in the early goings and moving the puck well in the offensive zone, not allowing a lot of opportunities going the other way. Until they gave up a 5-on-3 opportunity to Regina at the 10:39 mark. Regina’s Nick Henry and Sam Steel would both score on the power play and give Regina an early 2-0 lead. They would continue to pour pressure on Edmonton and just 45 seconds after the Leschyshyn power play goal, Sam Steel would get his 26th of the season on a well-placed pass from Cameron Hebig along the perimeter to Sam Steel’s stick in the slot. Edmonton would get a few opportunities late in the frame but were unable to get on the board. Final shots after the first were 16-7 for Regina who went into the second with a 3-0 lead.
Regina would start the second with Max Paddock in net. Kubic turned away all seven shots he faced.
The second period brought similar events seen in the previous period, with the Oil Kings starting off the frame well and managing to get on the board first with a Tomas Soustal short handed breakaway goal. Regina would respond however with three of their own in the period. Sam Steel and Cale Fleury both with power play goals, while Jake Leschyshyn would get his second of the game on a redirection in front. Regina would take over in the second half of the period, not allowing a lot of opportunities in their own zone and playing fairly aggressive on pucks. Shots after two were 30-21 for Regina who came out of the period with a 6-1 lead.
Edmonton would open the scoring in the third period. Leading scorer Trey Fix-Wolansky scored a nice goal from the slot on the power play. Regina however would respond with a goal of their own, Sam Steel would get his hat trick on the power play, his 28th of the season and increasing the lead to 7-2 for Regina. Edmonton would get a couple of goals late from Kobe Mohr and rookie Matthew Robertson but were unable to make up the huge deficit. Final score 7-4 for Regina who also led in shots 43-28.
Game Notes:
-Edmonton’s first round selection (4th overall) in the 2017 bantam draft Jake Neighbours played a strong game, seemed to be able to adapt physically and chip in with some grit. He played a fairly simple game, processing the higher paced game very well and being one of their more impactful forwards today. It doesn’t seem like the 2002-born forward will have any issues stepping into the league next year and should eventually be a top-six forward.
-Anaheim Ducks 1st round selection in 2016 Sam Steel generated a hat trick and an assist for himself. The Pats captain currently sits at 76 points on the year. He plays an impactful 200-foot game in which he possesses the puck. Steel’s a cerebral shooter who positions himself in places to score. He was impressive today against his home town team.
-Edmonton Oilers free agent signing Cameron Hebig notched three assists tonight. Hebig plays an up tempo style of game in which he utilizes vision with the puck and a deceptive release to produce at a high rate.
-Oil Kings Brayden Gorda is really starting to settle into the lineup once again. He struggled in his return earlier this year with processing the game and his decision making. Since then he has slowly been progressing back into himself. Today was definitely the best game I’ve seen him play this year.
-Edmonton now starts a three-game road trip against Saskatoon, Prince Albert, and Medicine Hat. Their next home game is on March 11th against the Kootenay Ice.
