The Edmonton Oil Kings (18-35-6-2) take on the second game of a weekend back to back, after losing last night in a close game against the Prince Albert Raiders, this time against one of the top teams in the CHL the Swift Current Broncos (43-14-4-1). Swift Current coming off of a loss in Red Deer last night. Edmonton started Josh Dechaine once again, while Swift Current started Stuart Skinner.
Swift Current came out quick against the Oil Kings with Matteo Gennaro leading the charge with a power play marker just 6:36 into the first. Glenn Gawdin added to the lead shortly after on a penalty shot opportunity. Shots after 20 were 16-7 in favour of Swift Current.
The Broncos would continue the scoring in the third, Sahvan Khaira got it started once again just 20 seconds into the frame. Tyler Steenbergen would continue the onslaught just a few minutes after, finding room behind the defenders and receiving a pass from Beck Malenstyn, staking the Broncos to 4-0 lead. Swift Current would continue to pile on with another goal around the mid-way point of the frame, shorthanded by Glenn Gawdin. 5-0 for the Broncos and shots 31-15 also for the Broncos after 40 minutes of action at Rogers Place.
The third period was a reflection on the last two, with the Broncos adding three goals in the period. Beck Malenstyn started it off with a shorthanded goal. A bad turnover in front of his own net from Conner McDonald that Gawdin pounced on and forced over to Malenstyn. Rookie Connor Horning would make it 7-0 with a quick play off the blue line, and a hard drive to the net that went untouched by Oil Kings defenders. Tyler Steenbergen would end the scoring in this one. He made a quick drive and slipped the puck through the five hole on Dechaine. Final shots 41-20 for the Broncos and an 8-0 win.
Oil Kings Court:
An awful effort by the Oil Kings and really no push back offensively, Skinner faced only 20 shots and there were not a whole lot of high quality scoring chances.
Josh Dechaine stayed in the game for eight goals after playing the full 60 last night. Boston Bilous was put in late in the game. Bilous is coming off a case of mono and is most likely still recovering, will be interesting to see who earns the start on Tuesday.
Tanner Nagel suffered a gruesome outcome in a fight against Colton Kehler. A one punch knockout that left Nagel out for some time and in some confusion, he did not return.
The Oil Kings gave up seven power play opportunities to the Broncos. While a few of them were perceived as soft calls, some players really showed some undisciplined actions. None of the players pitched in, there was zero urgency to get the team on the board.
Draft Eligibles:
Connor Horning (2019) – Really liked the play of the rookie WHL defender. A bigger bodied kid who moves pretty well, quick to activate and really showcase some good tools late in the game when his ice time increased. Definitely expected to step into a bigger role next year but really liked what I saw.
Jacson Alexander (2019) – Also not eligible until the 2019 draft, Alexander is Swift Current’s first round pick from the 2016 WHL draft. A fluid skater who possesses elite edge work and mobility. Little small and gets knocked off puck at times but assertive and showed at times his ability to transport the puck.
