Second unit gives Regina a power surge
The Regina Pats’ No. 1 power-play unit gets most of the attention, but the second group has been scoring most of the goals.
Regina is among the WHL’s most-feared teams with the man advantage thanks to a star-studded crew led by NHL draft picks Sam Steel, Josh Mahura and Matt Bradley. The team’s second unit doesn’t have any big names but it has put up big numbers over the past three games, accounting for six of Regina’s seven power-play goals.
In the process, they’ve added more fuel to a friendly internal competition.
“We like to joke around a little bit about who’s the real (No. 1) power play,” defenceman Jonathan Smart said with a laugh. “In practice we have some battles. It’s fun in the dressing room and it adds some excitement to practice. We’re just hoping to keep it rolling.”
Bragging rights may have shifted, but the result is the same. The team is reaping the rewards of a successful power play, which ranked third in the league (29.1 per cent) before Friday’s game against the Moose Jaw Warriors.
“Our two groups are pretty competitive against each other,” Bradley said. “We’re always joking back and forth. To see them doing really well lately is awesome, especially when we’re struggling a bit.”
When things are going well, Regina’s No. 1 unit works the puck around as well as anyone in the league. The second group, however, generally sticks to basics.
“We’re keeping it really simple,” Smart said. “We’re just trying to get a couple passes and shoot the puck, get it towards the net. It has worked out in our favour.”
Smart and Dawson Davidson are the straws that stir the drink. The mobile defenders are like a twoheaded quarterback, controlling the puck from the point and finding the shot lanes.
“Dawson and I are real close; it’s fun to have success out there with him,” Smart said. “Wyatt (Sloboshan) has been a big part out there, too, and Braydon (Buziak) is in front of the net setting those screens and letting our shots get through. Everyone is playing a big part.”
The fifth member of the group, George King, was released this week. He could be replaced by Jake Leschyshyn, who would slide over from the No. 1 unit while Nick Henry — back from off-season shoulder surgery — takes his place with Steel, Bradley, Mahura and Emil Oksanen.
Steel was a key member of the league’s top-ranked power play last season, when Regina didn’t get much production from its second unit.
Those roles have reversed but, when the No. 1 group returns to form, opponents will have to pick their poison.
“We’re rolling right now but they started off the year hot,” Smart said. “It’ll probably go back the other way. If we could both get hot, that would be great. Whatever is going to help you win games.”