Oil Kings take 3-0 series lead in Moose Jaw

Moose Jaw, SK - The Edmonton Oil Kings remarkable streak continued as they managed a 3-2 win over the Moose Jaw Warriors Tuesday night in Game 3 of the Husky Eastern Conference Championship. That's 22 wins in a row and the Oil Kings are now the only undefeated team in the entire CHL playoffs. Edmonton is just one win away from a berth in the WHL Championship Series for the the first time in modern franchise history.

Ignited by the hometown crowd, the Warriors stepped up physically and pushed the Oil Kings early. Veteran TJ Foster got things started for the visitors notching his second of the post-season. The Warriors would answer back with a late period, power play goal to make it a 1-1 game going into the second period. The power play marker was Moose Jaw's second of the series and only the fourth power play goal the Oil Kings have allowed in the 2012 Playoffs.

The Oil Kings power play came to life at the beginning of the second as Michael St.Croix set up Curtis Lazar who slammed it home from the top of the crease. Edmonton held on to the lead in a second period that saw them outshot 12-5. Laurent Brossoit had another huge game in the pipes as he made 30 saves on the evening. Earlier in the day, Brossoit was selected for the second straight time as the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week.

"You can't say enough about Laurent Brossoit.  Right now he's been our best player every night." said St.Croix post game. "Our team defense has been good but you have to give [Brossoit] a lot of credit too because he's been exceptional."

St. Croix would then cap a big night with the game winning goal on a perfect backhand past Moose Jaw goalie Luke Siemens early in the third. Moose Jaw would add one more late in the third but that's as close as they would come on the night.

"We're focused just on playing the one game and winning the one game." said Head Coach Derek Laxdal. "Whatever comes with it, comes with it and that's the general focus of our group."

The series continues Wednesday night at Mosaic Place in Moose Jaw as the Oil Kings look for their third straight sweep of the 2012 WHL Playoffs. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m.MDT.  Be sure to tune into Team 1260 or online at whl.ca. The Husky Eastern Conference Championship Series will also be shown in its entirety LIVE on SHAW TV.

If the series is extended, Game 5 is set for Friday, April 27th from Rexall Place. That's a 7 o'clock puck drop back in Edmonton.  Log on to oilkings.ca for ticket availability and information. The 2012 Oil Kings Playoffs are presented by ATB Financial.

Now is the best time to become an Oil Kings Season Seat Holder for 2012-13. Secure your seat for next year with a $100 deposit per seat and the next round of the playoffs are included for FREE. Tickets on sale now at oilkings.ca or by calling (780) 414-GOAL (4625).

CLICK HERE FOR SEASON TICKET INFORMATION http://oilkings.ca/page/season-tickets

The Oil Kings 2011-12 season is presented by JLT, Insurance & Risk Management.

HUSKY EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
EDMONTON (1) vs MOOSE JAW (2)
EDMONTON LEADS SERIES 3-0
Friday, April 20   Moose Jaw (1) @ Edmonton (6)
Sunday, April 22   Moose Jaw (1) @ Edmonton (6)
Tuesday, April 24  Edmonton (3) @ Moose Jaw (2)
Wednesday, April 25 Edmonton @ Moose Jaw 7:00 p.m.
*Friday, April 27  Moose Jaw @ Edmonton   7:00 p.m.
*Sunday, April 29  Edmonton @ Moose Jaw   6:00 p.m.   
*Tuesday, May 1   Moose Jaw @ Edmonton 7:00 p.m.
*if necessary