Kings special teams need tuning

Justin Seward

Times Reporter

 

The Wheatland Kings could have inched closer to catching their opponent on Saturday night, the Medicine Hat Cubs, but fell to them 3-2 on home ice. After being knotted at one through two periods, the penalties piled up on both sides and the Cubs were able to capitalize on their special teams, while the Kings had optimal 5-on-3 opportunities but had difficulties converting them. “I think the difference was special teams, they capitalized on their 5-on-3’s and we didn’t capitalize,” said head coach Jeremy Blumes. “When we did get possession, we didn’t get to the front of the net like we need to. That being said, I thought our penalty kill was really good, I’m sure we were more shorthanded than they were.” The game had a real physical tone to it and Blumes thought his team was able to gain momentum from it. “We did a good job of finishing our checks and playing physical for the most part and there is always times as a coach where you want to see guys go that extra mile to make sure that they are winning the races,” said Blumes. The team had some key players leave with injuries after the first period and that did not make it any easier with line combinations and coming back in the game. Zac Schillinger and Lucas Jones scored in the loss. The Kings know how valuable points will be with five games remaining. Next up are a pair of road games next weekend in High River (8 p.m.) on Jan. 23 and Jan. 25 versus Okotoks (1:15 p.m.).