Slow start costs Canes in loss

By Lethbridge Herald on February 23, 2024.

Herald photo by Justin Seward Lethbridge Hurricanes Sean Tschigerl attempts to make a pass before Adam Jecho of the Edmonton Oil Kings checks him during WHL action at the Enmax Centre in this February File Photo.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

The Lethbridge Hurricanes couldn’t  get enough done offensively in a 2-1 loss to the Edmonton Oil Kings on Friday night at the Enmax Centre.

What was a big factor in the loss was the Hurricanes having a slow start.

“In the end it might have cost us giving up two goals and we were a little sleepy,” said Ryan Aasman, Canes assistant coach.

Aasman agreed there were some inconsistencies that creeped into their game.

“I mean you got get the job done, we got to find a way to score on our chances, for sure,” said Aasman.

“Again I think that most of  the inconsistencies come in the first period when we’re not ready to go on time.”

Edmonton’s Matthew Gallant opened the scoring with his second of the season at 14:02 of the first period from Ty Nash and Landon Hanson.

The visitors made it 2-0 when Adam Jecho’s wrist shot went through the legs of Canes defencemen  Noah Chadwick and past Harrison Meneghin for his 17th of the season.

Nash and Rhys Pederson assisted on Jecho’s goal.

Sean Tschigerl got the Canes on the board when his one-timer found the back of the net just 55 seconds into the second period from Leo Braillard and Landon Ward.

“Well obviously a slow start in the first period and we’re chasing the game,” said Tschigerl.

“We battled back, had a good second period, and obviously tried to have a good little push at the end there but unfortunately when  you drop  2-0 early in the game,  it’s hard to come back.”

Both teams were 0-for-2 on the powerplay.

Shots were 31-17 in favour of the Canes

The Canes will begin a three-game road trip against the Calgary Hitmen on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m.