PATS 2 – HURRICANES 0, PATS LEAD SERIES 3-1
REGINA — The Regina Pats are one win away from advancing to Round 2 of the 2016 WHL Playoffs following Wednesday’s 2-0 victory over the visiting Lethbridge Hurricanes in the Brandt Centre. The triumph gave Regina a 3-1 series edge.
The Hurricanes made a change in goal for Game 4, opting to go with Jayden Sittler over Game 3 starter Stuart Skinner but it didn’t make much of a difference (can he score goals?). Again Lethbridge outshot the Pats – 32-26 in this one – but this time they were unable to penetrate Regina goalie Tyler Brown who posted a 32-save shutout and was named the game’s #1 Star.
20-year old Pats sniper Cole Sanford proved again why he was acquired at the WHL Trade Deadline, notching an even-strength goal with 0:48 remaining in the first period which stood up as the game-winner. The teams kept it clean in the second period and Regina’s Adam Brooks iced the contest with an empty-netter with 1:12 remaining in the third.
Brown truly was the star of the evening and although at times it appeared as though he didn’t see many of the incoming shots, his excellent positioning got him in front of the puck and he gave up few rebounds.
The Pats certainly are the best-skating of the two teams, and their swift pace seemed too difficult for the Hurricanes to match. The Canes will now have a day off before they attempt to stave off elimination and avoid a series upset.
NOTES: Regina was 0/1 on the powerplay and 3/3 killing penalties … The attendance was 6181 … Former Pats captain Chris Schlenker was one of the game’s two referees.
UP NEXT: The Pats will look to close out the series Friday when they visit the Lethbridge Hurricanes in Game 5 at 7:00 pm on 620 CKRM.
RP
@rodpedersen
© 2016 The Canadian Press
Outstanding night at the Brandt Centre! Brown was exceptional tonight, but the Pats did a good job of playing well defensively. The forwards had the third guy high for most of the night. The series isn't over yet, but I like their chances now. Hopefully they can finish it Friday night to get Brooks some rest before round 2. Tickets should be jumping for the next home game. GO PATS GO!!!
Im a complainer, It wasnt a sell out, just kidding. Go Pats Go! Cole Sanford a speed demon, that guy can skate, good for the Pats team.
Both teams top two lines are getting tired but it's the same for both. The defence has been ok but that's mainly because the forwards are all back all the time. It's the way the Pats need to play to win especially in Lethbridge. I think Lethbridge thought before the series started that because they were the higher seed it automatically gave them a series win, and they haven't respected their opposition they way they should have. They may have to learn a valuable lesson that in playoffs nothing is given. The bus ride back for Lethbridge will not be… Read more »
Very fun night Wed at Brandt Centre. I couldn't make it Tuesday, but loved the game Wednesday.
From what I seen the Pats were better in game 2 than they were in either game 3 or 4. This has been about Brown and Brooks but really nobody else. The Pats are bearing down on their chances like Wagner with two break away and gets zippo. The Pats need to start scoring on more of their chances and really come out ready to play. Both games Lethbridge were the better team in the first period and tonight most of the game. The Pats can and need to be much better and sharper.
Pats and Warriors will move on to second round. But I still believe Brandon comes back and wins that series.
Great crowd again! – so nice to see – not loud but knowledgable. If someone had told me that Browny would get 2 shut outs (so far) in this series I would have laughed and said good luck there fella! Not that Tyler isn't a great young tender, but just that this is the Hurriances (2nd most goals scored in WHL this season I beleive, behind Brandon). He has played great BUT so have the Team in front of him; best I have seen D play all year as a unit and forwards are helping out more than ever too.… Read more »
Hobbs+Brooks+Brown = Memorial Cup 2016!
First 6 comments are well thought out and an good read…the trolls must be sleeping lol
Great job Pats. It will be a challenge to close them out in game five but fingers crossed.
Depth will be huge issue for either of these teams moving forward. Been a heck of a series. Hopefully Pats can end it friday to get rest. Brandon will have to get at least 6 probably 7 to advance with lots of travel. If Brandon loses Moose Jaw looks to like they will be rested.
celebrate kool and the gang
I agree the Pats should try to end this thing on Friday. Lethbridge is on life support and will be the nervous ones, and not the Pats who might be able to play with a little less pressure. It's a whole ot better to be up 3-1 than down 3-1….. I think there is still room for the Pats to improve on their game after the last two. Brown has been a beast but he should get some more offensive help. However if he has to be the beast again I think he will. I too think the Pats are… Read more »
C'mon buddy! 2 shutouts in 3 games and you're worried about improving a forecheck!? I'd say that things are just great! Thankfully you're a keyboard coach and not a real hockey person. DUH!
Pats in 5 !!
Brandon is back , series tied 2-2