Rebels 6 Hurricanes 2

LETHBRIDGE — The Red Deer Rebels are taking advantage of the new Western Hockey League doctrine.

"Again, it was a game of special teams," said Rebels GM/head coach Brent Sutter, following Sunday's 6-2 victory over the Lethbridge Hurricanes before 2,156 fans at the Sportsplex.

"The referees are calling everything, they're calling the games so tight. I know it's frustrating for the players, but at the same time we got three power-play goals tonight and our penalty killing was very good."

Indeed, the Rebels' special teams have been a big part of their early-season success.

Red Deer has bolted out of the gate with four consecutive victories, notching 12 man-advantage markers in the process while surrendering just four power-play goals.

Lethbridge cashed in only once during 13 extra-man opportunities Sunday and were zero-for-nine in Saturday’s 6-1 loss to the Rebels at the Centrium.

The Rebels entered the weekend series intent on improving their defensive play after surrendering a total of eight goals to Kootenay and Calgary.

Mission accomplished.

Rebels netminder Shane Bendera faced only 16 shots Sunday, four more than teammate Michael Garnett looked at the night before.

"That's what we want. We want to play well without the puck and our goalies have to stay mentally sharp," said Sutter.

"It's not the number of shots you give up, it's the quality of shots, and I thought we did a good job in that regard. It was a good weekend for us."

Bendera, who struggled in Red Deer’s opening-night 7-5 win over Calgary, kept his focus despite a light workload.

"He wasn't very busy, but he made the saves when he had to," said Sutter.

The Rebels took control of the contest with three unanswered second-period goals, staking them to a 4-1 lead after 40 minutes.

Colby Armstrong, Justin Wallin and Boyd Gordon, on a two-on-none break with Ladislav Kouba in the final minute of the game, potted even-strength markers, while Ross Lupaschuk, Jeff Smith and Jim Vandermeer scored on the power play.

Scott Borders notched both Lethbridge goals, while netminder Shaun Lee turned aside 27 shots.

"The guys all played their roles and did what had to be done," said Sutter, who showered extra praise on the six-foot-six Smith.

"He played very well this weekend. When his intensity level is up he can be a very effective player," said the Rebels boss.

Red Deer opens a five-game East Division jaunt Friday in Swift Current.

"We treated tonight's game like the first game of our road trip and came away with a big win," said Sutter.

Adam Dombrowski, whose recovery from shoulder surgery in June is complete, made his season debut for the Rebels. But instead of lining up on defence, Dombrowski was used up front in place of Martin Vymazal.

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 - Kyle Wanvig fired a pair of power-play goals in Saturday's victory. Vandermeer, Smith, Joel Stepp and Jeff Woywitka also scored for the Rebels, who broke a scoreless tie with four unanswered second-period goals. Justin Mapletoft picked up three assists.

 - Nathan Barrett replied for the 'Canes, who got a 22-save effort from Joel Martin.