By Mitch Bach

Tigers explode in third period in historic victory for Clouston

Dec 27, 2017 | 9:27 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB —It took the Medicine Hat Tigers 40 minutes to burn off the holiday turkey from the Christmas break.

Once it had, the goals began pouring in.

Jimmy Hamblin scored the game-winner late in the game, part of a four-goal third period for the Tigers in a 4-2 victory over the Lethbridge Hurricanes on Wednesday.

Adding to the celebration, is the historic nature of the victory. Shaun Clouston has now tied Willie Desjardins for the most wins as a coach in franchise history. He can set a new record of 324 on Friday, when the Tigers take a trip to the ENMAX Centre in Lethbridge.

The victory broadens the Tigers Central Division lead to eight points over Lethbridge. 

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David Quenneville scored a pair and Max Gerlach also found the scoresheet for Medicine Hat. Quenneville helped set up Hambin’s game winner, which came with 2:36 remaining, to earn a team-high three points on the night. Ryan Chyzowski left the game with two assists.

Reece Klassen appeared unbeatable in net for Lethbridge until the third period. The 18-year-old stopped all 23 shots in the first two periods, but endured 18 alone in the third to stop 36 on the night. Usual starter Stuart Skinner was a scratch for the game due to illness, according to the Hurricanes Twitter page.

Jordan Hollett took the victory with a 27-save performance.

Jordy Bellerive broke the scoreless tie early in the second on the powerplay to give the ‘Canes the lead. The 18-year-old snuck a low snap-shot passed a screened Jordan Hollett at the 5:28 mark of the frame.

David Quenneville broke Klassen’s bid for a shutout early in the third period on the powerplay. From behind the net, captain Mark Rassell sliced a pass through the crease, setting up a gorgous one-timer shortside on the netminder.

Medicine Hat took its first lead of the game with less than 10 minutes to play. Gerlach finished off a slick, dipsy-doodle stick-handle play from Jaeger White as he entered the offensive zone. But Lane Zablocki quickly silenced the Tigers faithfull, making good on a breakaway 22 seconds later to lock back up at 2-2.

Medicine Hat was awarded a late powerplay after Jadon Joseph was called for elbowing. That allowed the Tigers PP unit to get to work, which went 2/4 on the night. Quenneville’s initial shot didn’t get through to the goaltender, but Hamblin was in the right place to scrape home the game-winner from the slot, followed by an emphatic sweeping fist pump skyward.

Quenneville’s second of the night came on the empty net with 39 seconds to go to seal the victory.

Medicine Hat has now on back-to-back games, dating back to December 17th, and will look to make it three-in-a-row Friday in Lethbridge.