By Mitch Bach

Geekie, Rasmussen explode in Americans 6-3 drubbing over Tigers

Dec 13, 2017 | 9:03 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Michael Rasmussen and Morgan Geekie had the Medicine Hat Tigers number on Wednesday night.

Geekie collected three goals, and Rasmussen notched a pair himself, propelling the Tri-City Americans to a 6-3 victory at the Canalta Centre.

Medicine Hat has now lost five of the last six, yet still remain first place in the Central Division standings with a 17-13-2-0 record. They’ll play twice more before taking a week off for Christmas, returning to action on Dec. 27.

Michael Bullion takes the loss in goal, stopping 22 saves while Beck Warm collected his ninth win of the season with 24 saves.

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It didn’t take long for Rasmussen to leave his mark. The Americans captain steered home the first goal on the powerplay, 3:43 into the game.

6’6″ Rasmussen, drafted in the 1st round (9th overall) by the Detroit Red Wings this summer, now has a team-high 16 goals this season.

Moments later, Carolina Hurricanes prospect Morgan Geekie corralled a loose puck in front of Michael Bullion, and lifted the puck overtop of the netminder to make it 2-0.

Medicine Hat was outshot 11-5 in the first period, failing to capitalize on two power-plays while allowing the Americans to score on their lone man-advantage.

Isaac Johnson continued the strong start out of Tri-City. The undrafted left-winger flew through the neutral zone, deked through Linus Nassen with ease, and finished off a filthy individual effort with a high snap-shot off the cross bar and in. 

David Quenneville gave the Tigers some life just over a minute later, clapping a one-time from the deep point through several bodies before finding the twine. The 19-year-old from Edmonton now has 11 goals on the year, tied for the most among defenceman in the Western Hockey League.

Rasmussen secured his second of the night late in the middle frame, tipping a slap-pass from Calgary Flames prospect Juuso Valimaki. 

With the chance of a comeback still in tact, Ryan Chyzowski buried a loose rebound to cut the Americans lead to 4-2.

But Tri-City responded just 23 seconds later with Geekie’s second of the night to keep the Tabbies at bay.

James Hamblin found the twine with under four minutes left, but with Bullion out of the net, Geekie completed his hat-trick with a final empty-netter to seal the game 6-3.

Medicine Hat’s final home game before the break is Friday, hosting the Red Deer Rebels at the Canalta Centre (7:30 p.m.). Their final match ahead of Christmas takes place Saturday in Edmonton against the Oil Kings.