An Even Strength affair
Most coaches and analysts will say that special teams will win or lose you the game, and whoever has the better night in that area usually wins the game. However, in tonight's match that doesn't exactly ring true. In the match-up between the Lethbridge Lions and the Vancouver Whalers featured excellent penalty killing along with great goaltending while a man down. The Lion's power play operated at just a 16.67%, going 1 for 6 on the night, while the Whalers came up with 0 goals on 4 attempts. The lack of goals was not from lack of shots though, as Lethbridge peppered Vancouver goalie Kasperi Braulin with 10 shots. Vancouver added 4 shots of their own while up a man.

The Clutch Gene
The Lions entered the 3rd period with 2 goal lead. The Whalers managed to storm back to tie the game, not only once, but twice, after the Lions once again took the lead at 10:02 in the 3rd. The comeback saw the Whaler first line take center stage, accounting for 2 of the 3 goals to come back. Star sophomore center Jan Zacha secured first star of the game with 2 assists, and defenceman Kaspars Claude picked a great time to bury his first of the season, sending the game into overtime with just 17 seconds left in the game on a rebound shot. Goalie Braulin managed to stop 12 shots in the 3rd period and overtime and stopped all 3 shootout attempts from the Lions. Even with all that, unsung hero Cullen Gray managed to put in a clutch performance of his own, setting up the tying goal while scoring the only goal in the shootout to cap off the comeback.

Learning Experience for Lion Cubs
The Lethbridge Lions are a very young team, featuring 11 rookies in the 18 skater lineup, as well as a rookie back up goaltender. The Whalers on the other hand, are a much more experienced team, led by mostly veterans. The Whalers have 6 rookies, all in a more sheltered role. As these young Lethbridge players continue to play and get more experience they will learn what is needed to keep focus in the 3rd and hold on to a lead. While the collapse was on their end tonight, in a couple more seasons look for this Lethbridge team to be a power house with these up and coming players.