Kings look to buck the trend
Mario Prusina
Times Editor
The last time the Wheatland Kings played the Three Hills Thrashers, they went up 6-0 and held on for dear life.
This past weekend, however, an early 3-0 lead didn’t last.
The local Junior B team dropped to 3-5-0-1 on the season, after suffering a 5-4 overtime defeat Oct. 22 at the Strathmore Family Centre.
It is something that leaves Kings head coach Doug Murphy searching for answers.
“I wish I knew – it’s bizarre,” said Murphy when asked of the blown leads. “We come out like world beaters and then we either start the parade to the penalty box or just stop playing hard … and away it goes.
“We beat ourselves in the second period by taking penalties. It should have never gone into overtime.”
Not only did the Thrashers force overtime, according to Murphy, they stole the game in the extra frame when a goal that shouldn’t have been counted ended up being the game winner.
“Pretty much everybody that was in that end of the arena said that the puck didn’t go in until after the whistle,” said Murphy. “The referee was in the wrong place to see whether it did or didn’t and the linesman that wasn’t in position made the call.
“You hate getting beat on a goal that never was.”
Aaron Elaschuk scored a goal and added an assist to lead the Kings, while Austin Fisher, Racey Big Snake and Evan Elaschuk each scored once. Brandon Neufeld added two helpers, while Bryce Halverson made 36 saves.
According to Murphy, it is tough to leave the extra point behind because there is such parity in the league. A point gained early in the season is just as valuable as a point near the end of the season.
“Absolutely – we have to break that trend (of giving points),” said Murphy. “With (only) the top four teams making the playoffs in each division, every single point is going to be big. Especially if you’re wanting home ice advantage.
“It’s going to be huge.”
One thing the Kings need to work on is limiting the opposition’s chances. In the first nine games of the season, the team has allowed 49 shots against per game.
Despite some arenas generously counting shots, those numbers are too high for Murphy.
“We’re giving up too many shots and too many second shots,” said the coach. “When the goaltender is making the second and third save, (it’s tough).”
The Kings will now close out the month with three straight games this coming weekend. They will travel to Airdrie (Oct. 28, 8 p.m.), before hosting Coaldale on Oct. 29 (8 p.m.) at the Strathmore Family Centre. The Kings will wrap up the weekend with a road contest versus the Banff the following day.
According to Murphy, it is a good time to string some games together.
“Coming up here on our first three-game weekend, hopefully that brings the guys together a bit,” he said. “Hopefully we learn how to string it together.”