The Blazers will spend the next two days in Medicine Hat - the furthest east they'll travel all season long. It's a match-up with the Medicine Hat Tigers tomorrow night.
It was another crucial two points for the Blazers last night albeit it came the hard way. Up 3-0 in the 2nd and 4-1 early in the third period, the Blazers kept the door wide open thanks to some costly mistakes leading to a pair of short-handed goals by the Hurricanes that sent the game to overtime tied 4-4.
Jordan DePape ended OT just 1:30 in after converting on a 2-on-1 with Brendan Ranford. It's a win, but it's a bit reserved following a third period letdown.
The club has now picked up five out of a possible six points on the swing as they head into an extremely tough weekend with games against Medicine Hat and Kootenay before wrapping up the 10 day Central division swing.
Here's a few random thoughts...
- Blazer F Colin Smith is fine after taking a hard hit from the Hurricanes Max Ross. The hit drew a major for interference but it's one of those hits that in my opinion is part of hockey and has been for a long time.
It came on the break-out with a lead pass from a defenseman to a forward looking back to receive it...a suicide pass as it's referred to. Ross stepped up to make the hit, and it's part of the game. There was possibly a blow to the head on contact, but for the most part it's a hit you're encouraged to do in the game. I doubt there will be a suspension.
- 15 year-old Cole Ully (pronounced YOU-lee) didn't look out of place on a line with Brendan Ranford and Dylan Willick. Ully had a couple of scoring chances but didn't capitalize. A strong debut for the 2nd round bantam pick out of Calgary.
- The Blazers and Kelowna Rockets shared the same hotel space in Medicine Hat overnight. The Rockets stayed in Medicine Hat after edging the Tigers 3-2 in a shootout. The Rockets are skating as we speak while the Blazers jump on the ice afterwards. Kelowna will continue on to Calgary today before playing in Red Deer tomorrow night.
The Blazers will spend the night in Medicine Hat before playing the Tigers tomorrow night in the 2nd meeting of the season.
Jon
3 comments:
Thanks for the honesty regarding the Ross hit. The ref never put his arm up when the hit took place then after Smith lay near death for 5 minutes they decide that now it is a penalty? If you are that hurt go back to the dressing room. Really refreshing to see that not every broadcaster is a homer. Kind of a joke that Ross got 5 mins. Then to add insult #22 for the blazers throws down his gloves to fight then the 3rd man comes in to take over. #22 was on the bench with no gloves and they had to be brought to him! Why I am mad is that Cam Braes got 2 for dropping his gloves when Frazee refused to fight him earlier in the game. When it happens again there is no un sportsman like conduct penalty or 3rd man in. Both players had their gloves on the ice. then Gaudet comes in and takes over. Definition of 3rd man in. Good game to watch. Side note from an observer going on a 1 game sample size, Frazee is a classic stereotype of a Euro player who fakes injuries, complains and does not back anything up. Good luck in the home stretch Blazers!
A canes fan.
Hey Canes Fan,
Check your facts Frazee is not european. Secondly, you'd love to have such a quality 20 on your team.
Good luck to the canes down the stretch you'll need it
I'll say Thomas has been a huge addition to the team. He's a big bodied guy who isn't afraid to mix it up. I'm a fan.
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