The Tri-City Americans came to Lethbridge for their only visit of the season. Talyn Boyko stole the show, making 47 saves as the visitors snapped the Hurricanes 12-game point streak with a 3-2 win.
The Hurricanes dominated early, carrying the play and dictating the game as they outshot the Americans 19-4 in the opening period. Despite their strong play, Lethbridge gave up the game’s opening goal. Kyle Olson’s fifth of the season was assisted by Connor Bouchard and Sasha Mutala.
Lethbridge had a few quality chances but could not beat Boyko. They did come close late in the period when Alex Cotton wired a shot off the iron.
It was a quick start for Tri-City in the second period. Just 46 seconds in on a power play that carried over from the first, Edge Lambert popped home his fourth of the season to double the lead for his squad. Olson and Mutala had the helpers. On just six shots, the Americans held a 2-0 lead, and that ended Bryan Thomson’s night in the Hurricanes crease. Carl Tetachuk took over in goal.
The goalie change sparked the home side again, and they appeared to have responded on a power play of their own when Justin Hall banked in a shot. The play was reviewed in the video room, which resulted in the goal being waived off due to a kicking motion.
Much like Friday night, the Hurricanes found themselves in a hole headed into the third. Once again, they found some comeback magic. First, it was D-Jay Jerome just 17 seconds into the period with a spin-around slapper that seemed to handcuff Boyko to get Lethbridge on the board. The Hurricanes carried that momentum, and just over four minutes later, Cotton blasted home the tying goal from Calen Addison and Oliver Okuliar. It seemed then that the Hurricanes were in control and in business
But it was not to be. Boyko rebounded in the Tri-City net, standing tall with 14 saves to keep his team even and his hard work paid off. Mutala capped off his impressive three-point night as he put home his eighth of the season at the nine-minute mark which turned out to be the game-winner.
Shooting the breeze:
With the win, Tri-City starts its Alberta road trip 2-0-0-0.
Special teams were a struggle as the Hurricanes went only 1-for-7 on the power play. The Americans faired a little better, going 1-for-4.
Even with 47 saves, Boyko was somehow not named to the three stars. Those honors were given to 1. Mutala, 2. Okuliar, and 3. Olson
Next up for the Hurricanes is a road trip out west. Their three-game trip will start next Friday in Victoria against the Royals, marking Dino Kambietz’s return to the island. Tri-City will continue its road trip in Edmonton Monday against the Oil Kings.
