It is time to walk back down memory lane and take a look into Lethbridge Hurricanes’ history for March 30th, though it’s not the most successful day in Hurricanes history, with just one win in seven games. This is normally the time of year where the first round of the playoffs is nearing an end. We will start with last season’s quarterfinal matchup with the Calgary Hitmen.
2019 playoffs Game 5 against the Calgary Hitmen
The Lethbridge Hurricanes held a 2-0 series lead heading to Calgary. The Hitmen battled back to tie the series and set up this Game 5 showdown for control of the series. This was a unique game though as this match would not take place Lethbridge’s normal confines of the Enamx Center. With the World Curling Championships in town, the Hurricanes were forced to look elsewhere for a home to play in. Moving to the west side of the city and where the University of Lethbridge plays its USports games, a much smaller rink made for different challenges. This was a challenge that the Hurricanes could not overcome.
The Hitmen’s captain was the star of this game leading the visitors to the 6-5 win with three points. Calgary surged ahead 2-0 and then 3-1 and never looked back in this game. The Hurricanes, after having the 2-0 series lead fell behind 3-2, as the Hitmen went on to complete the upset and win the series in seven games.
2017 playoffs Game 4 against the Red Deer Rebels
The Hurricanes went into this game already down 2-1 in the series against the powerful Rebels team. The previous night the Rebels had won an exciting Game 3 in double overtime. The start of this game was picture perfect for the Hurricanes as they got goals from Tyler Wong and Jordy Bellerive to jump in front 2-0. Seemingly in control, Lethbridge would let the Rebels off the hook allowing a late first-period goal with under a minute left and a quick-strike goal in the second period just five minutes in. The Rebels had tied the game.
Wong scored his second of the night late in the second period, but it would not be enough. Red Deer went to work in the final frame scoring three times with both Lane Zablocki and Brandon Hagel getting their second of the night securing the 5-3 win and the 3-1 series lead. Hurricanes did battle back in this series getting three straight wins and comeback for the 4-3 series win. That is the first series win for Stuart Skinner has well.
2016 playoffs Game 4 against the Regina Pats
This was another game of “not your night”. The Regina Pats came into Lethbridge after taking a 2-1 series lead. They left with a 3-1 series lead after posting a 2-0 shutout thanks to a brilliant night from Tyler Brown who made 32 saves in the win. Hurricanes netminder Jayden Sittler did his best, making 24 saves in a losing cause. Pats went on to win Game 5 and take the series 4-1. It was a disappointing end for the Hurricanes in this season after finishing first in the Central Division. This was, however, the first time Lethbridge made the playoffs in seven seasons, the first year under Brent Kisio.
2009 playoffs Game 6 vs the Saskatoon Blades
Despite the best efforts of fan-favorite goaltender Juha Metsola, this game was all Blades. Scoring early and often in a 5-1 victory. Metsola stopped 29-of-31 shots in the losing cause. Saskatoon was lead by Braden Holtby in goal, the now Washington Captial goalie who made 26 saves for the win.
The win tied the series at 3-3, Saskatoon forced Game 7 back in their home rink. The Hurricanes would win said Game 7, 4-3 and move on to play the Calgary Hitmen in round two.
2008 playoff Game 6 against the Brandon Wheat Kings
One of the more successful playoffs runs in Hurricanes’ history happened in 2008. The Hurricanes magical run to the WHL Final took a big step on this day. Game 6 of this first-round series took place in Lethbridge. Juha Metsola put the team on his back, making 20 saves in a 4-0 shutout win. The win gave the Hurricanes a 4-2 series win. Luca Sbisa led the way on the scoresheet with a goal and a helper, the Hurricanes also had goals from Craig Orfino, Colton Sceviour and Mike Wuchterl.
2006 playoff Game 4 against the Calgary Hitmen
After taking a 2-1 series lead, the Hurricanes were looking to put a stranglehold on the series, but the Hitmen had other plans. Calgary went up 2-0 in the first period on goals from Brodie Dupont and Karl Alzner. Combine that with a 32 save performance from Justin Pogge and the Hitmen had a 2-1 win that tied the series 2-2. The Hurricanes lone marker was from Kris Hogg. Netminder Justin Leclerc made 24 stops in a losing cause. Calgary went on to win the next two games taking the series 4-2.
2005 playoff Game 4 against the Calgary Hitmen
Another first-round matchup against their Central Division foes. The Hurricanes came into this game down 2-1 in the series. The Hitmen were coming off a shutout win on home ice to take the series lead.
A back and forth game saw these two teams trade goals. The Hurricanes held the 1-0 and a 2-1 lead but a mid-third-period goal from Konstantin Pushkarev tied the game at 2-2 forcing overtime. In fact, this game needed double overtime before Andrew Ladd played hero scoring his fourth goal of the series. The victory gave Calgary a 3-1 series lead.
