Pats Win In Shootout
For the second time in six nights the Regina Pats defeated the Prince Albert Raiders in a shoot-out, this time by a score of 3 - 2.
Unlike last weekend, Regina dominated the play at Brandt Centre out-shooting Peter Anholt's squad 32 - 16, and holding the Raiders to only two shots in the second period.
David Reekie wasn't busy, but when he was tested, the veteran netminder came up with several key saves to keep the game tied.
Reekie sealed the Raiders fate in the shootout, stopping Aki Seitsonen, Mike Hellyer & Kyle Chipchura. Petr Kalus's shootout goal was the only one required by the Pats who improved their record to 8-4-0-0 and moved them back into first place in the WHL's East Division, putting them two points ahead of idle Moose Jaw.
It looked as though the Pats were going to pull the game out in regulation, when Russian sniper Denis Tolpeko was awarded a penalty-shot with 24.8 seconds remaining in the third period by referee Nathan Wieler. The twenty-year-old Moscow product beat Alex Archibald, but couldn't get his shot past the post.
Both netminders made two saves in the five minute overtime frame. Archibald was named the games second star, making thirty-saves and also stopping Tolpeko in the overtime shootout.
Justin Bernhardt & Denis Tolpeko had the regulation goals for the Pats who improved their Brandt Centre record to 7-1-0-0 on the season.
Brad Erickson & Mike Gauthier had the Raider goals.
Tolpeko was named the first star, for the second straight game.
The Pats return to action on Saturday when they host the Kootenay Ice in a 7:00PM start at Brandt Centre.