Photo by Brandi Pollock
Medicine Hat, AB (CKLQ) – The Medicine Hat Tigers held serve on home ice in game two of the WHL’s Eastern Conference quarter-finals on Sunday night beating the Wheat Kings 7-3.
Mark Rassell (2G-1A) continues to push the pace for the Tigers, as he collected his 2nd straight three point night and now has six points in two games. The Tigers got goals from six different players and 23 saves from Jordan Hollett for their 2nd straight win.
"They pushed hard, I give Medicine Hat a lot of credit," said Wheat Kings Head Coach David Anning. "They got the job done on home ice and it’s up to us to make sure we’re ready to go on Tuesday."
The Tigers once again used the powerplay to control the offense, scoring three times on seven opportunities. The Tigers are now 5/11 in the series.
"There were some costly penalties once again," added Anning. "Their powerplay is clicking and they are capitalizing. We’re going to have to stay out of the box, we can’t afford to take 6 or 7 minors in a game, especially in the playoffs."
The fourth line for the Wheat Kings were key cogs in the Wheat Kings minimal offensive output on Sunday. Marcus Sekundiak scored a pair of goals, both of which were assisted by Ben McCartney. The line, which saw Gunnar Wegleitner draw in created numerous scoring chances, an effort that didn’t go unnoticed.
"They are a group that works hard and are honest in their effort," said Anning. "Those guys were good for us and obviously found the scoreboard and created some energy."
Ty Lewis scored the other goal for Brandon, a shorthanded marker early in the third period. Logan Thompson and Dylan Myskiw combined to make 29 saves in the losing effort. Thompson left the game late in the third period after being tended to by Athletic Therapist Chris Trivieri.
The Wheat Kings won’t have any time to hang their heads, as they travel to Dauphin to begin preparations for game three on Tuesday night. (7:30 MB Time)
"The reality is it’s a seven game series, we expected a long series and expected it to be a good challenge," said Anning. "It’s simple, we haven’t performed to the level we would have liked, there is lots of room for growth in our group and I think guys can hit the reset button here and be ready."
CROWE’S NOTES:
-Wheat Kings forward Baron Thompson has been handed a suspension for his hit on Tigers defenseman Dylan McPherson in game one. The hit resulted in a 2:00 kneeing minor in the game. McPherson is listed as week-to-week with a lower body injury. The length of Thompson’s suspension is to be determined.
-The Wheat Kings scratched Baron Thompson (Susp), Jonny Hooker (Upper), Ty Ettinger (Healthy) and Ethan Kruger (Healthy.)
-Attendance at the Canalta Centre was 2,943
SCORING SUMMARY
1st PERIOD
M.H – Ryan Chyzowski (2) (Rassell) 4:48
M.H – David Quenneville (1) (Rassell, Brown) 11:19
M.H – Mark Rassell (2) (Brown, Ostir) 12:06 PPG
Shots: 13-6 Medicine Hat
2nd PERIOD
BWK – Marcus Sekundiak (1) (McCartney) 2:53
M.H – Mark Rassell (3) (Lockner, Gally) 3:12
M.H – Elijah Brown (1) (White, Quenneville) 16:53 PPG
Shots: 12-10 Medicine Hat
3rd PERIOD
BWK – Ty Lewis (1) (Gutenberg) 4:29 SHG
M.H – Jaeger White (1) (Rubins) 5:47 PPG
BWK – Marcus Sekundiak (2) (McCartney) 8:47
M.H – Josh Williams (1) (Unassisted) 18:29
Final Shots: 36-26 Medicine Hat
