The Regina Pats fell into a trap on Wednesday night as they were unable to escape with no points following a 3-2 loss to the Edmonton Oil Kings.
Connor Bedard did provide another highlight on the evening as he scored his 60th goal of the season. He became the first Pat to accomplish the feat since Ronald Petrovicky scored 64 goals with Regina in 1998.
SIXTY GOALS
Connor Bedard has scored his 60th goal of the season in just his 49th game!
He is the first Pat to score 60 goals in a season since Ronald Petrovicky in 1998.#LegendsInTheMaking | #NHLDraft | #CB98 pic.twitter.com/CxpXEgIGbk
— Regina Pats (@WHLPats) March 9, 2023
Tye Spencer also scored for Regina.
Edmonton got off to a quick start as Luke Robson opened the scoring for the Oil Kings 2:28 into the first period.
After Spencer tied the game for Regina, the Oil Kings regained the lead 1:44 later when Marshall Finnie scored.
In the second period, the Pats fell into penalty trouble as they ended up taking four straight penalties in the period. Just moments after a 5 on 3 powerplay expired for the Oil Kings, Gavin Hodnett scored the game-winning goal for Edmonton.
Regina made a comeback attempt in the final period which included Bedard’s 60th goal of the season, but the Pats were unable to get the equalizer. In the final moments with an extra attacker, Regina made a final push with a mad scramble in the front of the net in but the Oil Kings were able to prevent the Pats from tying the game. It appeared that Edmonton’s Tom Cadieux had covered the puck with his glove while in the crease, but the Pats did not receive a favourable ruling at the conclusion of the game.
Kelton Pyne made 27 saves for Regina in the loss. Kolby Hay made 31 saves for the Oil Kings. Edmonton was 1/4 on the powerplay while the Pats were 0/3 on the extra man advantage.
After the game, Assistant Coach Ken Schneider felt the Pats weren’t prepared for Wednesday’s game.
“Yesterday our practice was average at best and it just kind of led into today and we just didn’t play with enough passion. We didn’t work hard enough.”
Pats defenceman Corbin Vaughan said the team has to moved as they get set for a pair of big games against Lethbridge and Medicine Hat on tap.
“Just kind of forget about this game, the next couple of games we have here are huge so focus on the this push coming up. ”
The loss to Edmonton prevented Regina from gaining some ground on Lethbridge for 5th spot in the Eastern Conference, as the Hurricanes were defeated by Red Deer. Medicine Hat also was defeated in action on Wednesday, a defeat to Brandon. The Tigers remain four points back of the Pats.
Regina was unable to complete the season series against Edmonton as they end the season taking three out of four contests. With the win at the Brandt Centre, Edmonton moved their record up to 9-48-3.
On Friday, the Pats will meet the Hurricanes in Lethbridge. The following night, they will travel to Medicine Hat to meet the Tigers.
Coverage for Friday night’s game begins with the pre-game show at 6:35, Dante De Caria will have the play-by-play beginning at 7:00.
