For long stretches Saturday night the Moose Jaw Warriors were able to play with the Edmonton Oil Kings.
However, when the reigning Western Hockey League champions elevated their game in the second period, the Warriors weren’t able to match it.
The Oil Kings scored twice in the second period and again early in the third to skate away with a 4-1 win over the Warriors on Snowbirds Night at Mosaic Place.
“They’re good. We gave up 20 shots to a pretty good Swift Current team. Edmonton only got 27, but they don’t need many chances. They capitalize on their opportunities, while we’re still learning to do that,” said Warriors head coach Mike Stothers.
Trevor Cheek scored on the first shot of the game and then scored the game-winning goal with 7:50 left in the second period.
After their shaky first shift, the Warriors had a good rest of the first period and tied the game on Brayden Point’s 20th goal of the season.
“You get scored on 13 seconds into the game, but I liked our response,” said Stothers.
The Oil Kings responded with a pair of goals in the second period as Cheek and Curtis Lazar put them ahead for good.
Michael St. Croix gave the Oil Kings a 4-1 lead with a power play goal 1:50 into the third period.
The Warriors pushed for a comeback — they out-shot Edmonton 14-5 in the third — but couldn’t beat Tristan Jarry in the Oil King net.
Jarry finished with 27 saves.
Justin Paulic made 23 saves for the Warriors.
