In a surprising reversal of fortunes, Stettler Lightning suffered a heavy 10-1 defeat at the hands of the Red Deer Vipers on Monday, Oct. 19, only five days after beating them 3-2 on home ice last Tuesday.
In between the two games, the Lightning also suffered a loss at High River, where they lost 9-3 on Friday, Oct. 16.
In the game against the Vipers at the Recreation Centre, the Lightning played confidently in both offense and defense dominating the game throughout the periods.
Mitch Finkbiner scored in the second minute of the first period making it 1-0.
The Vipers responded 10 minutes later but the Lightning again took the lead in the last minute of the first period with a great shot by Jeff Kohut 2-1.
The Lightning scored again in the second minute of the second period to make it 3-1.
Everything could have changed in the last 30 seconds of the game, though.
The Vipers scored just 31 seconds from the end of regulation time making it 3-2 and sidelined their goalie to launch a relentless barrage of shots at the Lightning net but failed to convert in any of their attempts.
With regard to the two road games that resulted in defeat, head coach Doug Smith admitted that his players had lost their game discipline.
“I was not on the bench in those two games,” said Smith acknowledging the fact that they have to improve for their next game on home ice on Friday against the Mountain View.