Hear Head Coach Gord Thibodeau’s post-game comments here
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – The Fort McMurray Oil Barons’ sky-high spirits were replaced with a crashing low after a 7-0 drubbing at the hands of CSKA Moscow in the team’s final exhibition game in Russia.
“Frankly, I didn’t think that we were deserving of a victory – but I don’t think it was a seven-nothing type performance,” said Head Coach Gord Thibodeau.
The Red Army received 15 powerplay opportunities in the game, but only converted on three.
“As much as you want to talk about what the reffing was like, we were undisciplined,” said Thibodeau.
The Barons went to the man advantage eight times – but frequently took penalties while on the powerplay to deny themselves the advantage.
“I think we had four straight powerplays where they were under twenty seconds,” recalled Thibodeau.
The Russian squad tallied two power-play markers in the first period, two more in the second, and three more in the third.
Mikhail Plotnikov book-ended the scoring with the first and seventh Russian goals.
The Russians scored a highlight reel marker with four seconds left in the second period, when Alexander Torchenyuk scored while falling face-down on a rebound opportunity.
The Oil Barons allowed 36 shots on two goaltenders – Red Deer native Tanner Jaillet played the first two periods, allowing four goals, while local product Logan Stebner played the final twenty minutes, allowing three.”
”They gave us a chance to stay in the game,” said Thibodeau, “it was two-nothing for them twelve minutes into the game, and for twenty-two minutes it was zero-zero after that.”
“We were hanging around because our goalies were good.”
Overage goaltender Brody Hoffman did not dress for the game, but is expected to start for the team once tournament play begins.
Russian goaltender Kirill Brashkin stopped all 24 shots that were sent his way to record the shutout.
CSKA Moscow will represent Russia at the World Junior Club Cup in Omsk. As they and Fort McMurray are in different groups, the final could feature a rematch between the two.
The Barons fly to Omsk on Sunday and will play their first game on Tuesday against Team Belarus at 7 PM – that is 6 AM in Fort McMurray.
