Despite falling behind three goals in the opening period, the Regina Pats were able to stage a comeback on Wednesday night, as they defeated the Spokane Chiefs 4-3 in a shootout.
The three goal deficit marked the largest comeback for the Pats this season. The victory also marked the first time Regina gained a shootout win since they defeated the Saskatoon Blades on February 5, 2020.
Alexander Suzdalev led the Pats with a goal and an assist before unleased a beautiful goal in the shootout.
Here is Suzdalev’s slick shootout goal from tonight!#ItsGoTime | @Capitals pic.twitter.com/0TjmYKbPI5
— Regina Pats (@WHLPats) December 15, 2022
Tanner Howe also collected a goal in regulation and in the shootout for Regina. Zane Rowan rounded out the scoring for the Pats.
For Suzdalev it was his 18th goal of the season and extended his point streak to eight games. Howe picked up his 21st goal this year and also extended his point streak which is now at ten games. Rowan’s tying goal was his first this campaign.
Recent callup Corban Almen collected his point as a Pat with an assist on Rowan’s goal.
Assistant Brad Herauf was liked the way his team was able to respond after allowing the opening three goals.
“We just started in a hole tonight, I like the way we talk all the time about our team learning to win and a young group and we found a way to win tonight.”
The shootout winner from Suzdalev is just another example according to Herauf on why he has been one of the most talented forwards to play in the Queen City recently.
“When he is one on one with anybody, it doesn’t matter if it’s a defenceman, forward, goaltender, he’s a tough guy to stop, he’s got so much patience that it drives us crazy, you know he needs to be in more of a hurry but he is so methodical in the way he plays the game, the way he thinks it, he’s ahead of a lot of people.”
Rowan says with the skill of Suzdalev, it wasn’t a surprise to see him in the shootout.
“Suz has gross hands, it’s one of his best assets and stuff, you can pretty much see it every play that he’s out there.”
Drew Sim backstopped Regina to victory as he made 26 saves along with a pair of stops in the shootout.
Herauf said the Pats netminder had another strong performance between the pipes.
“He’s starting to put himself in the upper echelon of goalies in our league that can steal you a game, he’s been doing this for awhile for us.”
With the victory, Regina is now two points behind the Moose Jaw Warriors. The Pats will have a chance to catch up to the Warriors on Friday when the two teams meet in Moose Jaw.
