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Written by Dale Woodard
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Thursday, January 21 2010, 10:51 PM |
When Neil Tarnasky, Ryon Moser and Philip Tot took the ice with the Lethbridge Hurricanes at the start of the season, the trio looked very much like rookies trying to get used to play in the Western Hockey League.
That’s because they were.
As the Hurricanes get set to host the Edmonton Oil Kings tonight at the Enmax Centre at 7 p.m., the trio have been getting icetime and responsibility equivalent to players who have successfully adapted and contributed in a number of ways.
That’s because they have.
The proof has been in the ice time and, of late, the goals the trio has put up.
“They’ve been a breath of fresh air, Moser, Tarnasky and Tot,” said Hurricanes head coach and general manager Rich Preston. “It started in Saskatoon (a 3-1 win over the Blades Jan. 9) at the end of that road trip when they scored two big goals for us as a line and they continued to play a really good game in Swift Current.”
The line was back in action on Wednesday in Calgary against the Hitmen as Tot scored the first goal in a game that turned into a shootout in a 7-5 ’Canes loss.
“They played pretty well against Calgary,” said Preston. “They scored the first goal of the game against Calgary, a great goal, driving the net. It’s good when you get three young guys like that who can really spark your team. They’re all good skaters and have good skill. Tarnasky is 200 pounds and, when he throws his body around, he’s effective.”
While he’s still looking for his first career WHL goal, Tarnasky as two assists in 32 games this season.
“I’ve come a long way since the beginning of the year,” said the six-foot centre from Caroline. “Obviously at the beginning of the year we were just coming out of midget, so we really didn’t know the speed of the game. It’s way faster than midget. You always have to be ready for a hit. Every time you have the puck you have to be looking over your shoulder and making sure you’re in a safe position and you don’t get hit from behind because everybody hits hard in this league.”
The Hurricanes should be able to earn a win tonight, as the Oil Kings are just 10-27-4-7 and in last place in the Eastern Conference. The Hurricanes won both meetings this season. However, neither team is on much of a roll. Lethbridge has lost its past three games, Edmonton its last five.
The 15-26-3-2 Hurricanes are in 11th in the Eastern Conference.
The goal leader of the trio with four, Moser has put up seven points in 38 games, while Tot leads the three in points with eight in 35 games.
“Moser and Tot bring a lot of skill to the game, they’ve got really good hands,” said Tarnasky. “I can work in the corners and work it down low and get it out to them. We’re a really fast line, too, so that helps.”
And the more they play together, the better things get.
“I think our line has gotten a bit more chemistry as the year has gone on,” said Moser. “We’ve been playing together a bit more. I feel a bit more confident now. They’re good skaters and I think once we get in on the forecheck we create a lot of opportunities in their zone.”
But like his linemates, there were WHL adjustments Moser had to make earlier in the season.
“It’s obviously a faster game and the guys are stronger,” said Moser. “You have to adapt to that. Also, not getting as much ice time as you were in midget.”
But the three rookies are now getting more ice time, even if Preston still has to pick and choose when to use his young forwards.
“I’m not going to play them just because they’re young,” said Preston. “You look at the games and it’s tough when you’re in a one-goal game or a two-goal game. You can’t play four lines in the third period when you’re up a goal or down a goal, especially if you’re down a goal. You have to score some goals.
“But having said that, we should put them out there when we’re down a goal because they’ve been scoring lately. As a line, they’ve scored three goals in five games. That’s pretty good for the fourth line.”
The Hurricanes bench boss will need that continued development from his fourth line as the team heads into a busy February.
“If you’re up four or five goals you can play those kids more,” said Preston. “But having said that, if you look at our schedule in February we play 15 games in 26 days. You have to have four lines and six defence. Everybody has to play. You have a lot of three (games) in four nights. So you have to play everybody.”
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