By Patrick Burles - @PatrickBurles on Twitter

Hurricanes bounce back from poor start to beat struggling Ice

Feb 17, 2018 | 9:46 PM

LETHBRIDGE – The Hurricanes drive to lock up a playoff spot for the third straight year continued Saturday night, Feb. 17, as they cruised by the free-falling Kootenay Ice by a score of 5-2.

It was the visiting Ice who got things going early, racing ahead 2-0 just five minutes in, a night after the Hurricanes did something similar to the Saskatoon Blades. Unfortunately for Kootenay – a team with just two wins in their last 10 games – it was all downhill from there.

At the 13:17 mark of the first, Dylan Cozens responded for Lethbridge, followed by Brad Morrison on the power play just over two minutes later to even the score.

The second saw the Hurricanes take control, as they outshot their guests 21-5 through the period. Ice goaltender Matt Berlin put on an impressive performance keeping his club in it while facing a shooting gallery, but he finally broke with 19 seconds left in the frame, as Jordy Bellerive registered his 40th goal of the season while on another man-advantage.

The third would see goals from Jadon Joseph and an empty-netter from Bellerive with one second left to cap the win.

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The implications of Saturday night’s game are significant for both teams when taking a look at the standings.

For the Hurricanes, their second win in two nights keeps them within three points of the Central leading Medicine Hat Tigers, who won their game against Swift Current in OT. It also gives them a nine point playoff cushion with 14 games left in the regular season.

For the Ice, the loss means they’re now outside of the playoff picture with 12 games left, as Red Deer – a scorching eight wins in their last 10 – took over the third spot in the division.

That will make Sunday’s game in Cranbrook a must win for Kootenay, as they host Lethbridge in the second half of a home-and-home weekend series.