Oil Kings Battle for 2-1 Win in Toon Town
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Saskatoon, SK - The Oil Kings fought hard for their second win in the last 24 hours as they posted a 2-1 victory over the Blades on Saturday. The Edmonton win combined with a Calgary loss left the Oil Kings one point behind the Hitmen for top spot in the Eastern Conference with two games in hand.
Things were heated early on in this game as the Oil Kings showed some early jump despite playing their second game in 24 hours. After an entertaining first period the score remained 0-0 with both teams unable to capitalize on their chances. Laurent Brossoit went head to head with Russian goaltender Andrey Makarov with neither goaltender flinching through the first 20 minutes.
Rookie Brandon Baddock got things started midway through the second as he tipped home a point shot from fellow rookie Dysin Mayo. Mayo ripped a low shot through traffic that Baddock deflected for his 6th of the season. Edmonton raised their record to 23-4-0-1 when scoring the first goal of the hockey game.
Continued pressure paid off for Edmonton as Keegan Lowe put a wrist shot from the point past Makarov with a great screen by Mitch Moroz. The power play goal was the acting Captain's ninth of the season as he continues to showcase his offensive abilities. The Oil Kings would take the 2-0 lead into the third period after killing a key penalty to end the second frame. Edmonton’s power play was 1 for 3 on the night while the penalty kill held the Blades to 0 for 3 with the man advantage.
Brossoit would make some huge saves down the stretch but the Blades would not be shutout in their own building. After some key stops through the first half of the third period it was Josh Nicholls who scored for the home side. The goal cut Edmonton’s lead to 2-1 but the visitors would fight hard to hold off the Blades late game charge. Brossoit would finish his night with an impressive 34 save performance to lift his record to 18-5-2-3 on the season with a 2.33 GAA and a 0.917 save percentage.
Edmonton remains one of the most defensively sound clubs in the WHL having allowed the least number of goals in the Eastern Conference. The Oil Kings have only allowed three goals against in their last five games and have held the opposition to two or fewer in 27 of their 43 games this season.
The Oil Kings take on the Tigers tomorrow in Medicine Hat – Puck drop is 6:00 p.m. MST. This will be the third of three games in three nights for the Oil Kings. All games this season will be broadcast live on the TEAM 1260 and streamed live at WHL.ca.
The defending WHL Champions make their return to Rexall Place next Friday, January 18th as they play host the Tigers. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. and tickets are available at OILKINGS.CA, at the Rexall Place Box Office or at Ticketmaster outlets. For more information on season seats or flex packs, call 780-414-GOAL (4625). The Oil Kings 2012-13 season is presented by JLT, Insurance & Risk Management.
