The Saskatoon Blades saw their 7-game winning streak ended on Friday evening with a 4-3 shootout loss to the Regina Pats, after surrendering a 3-1 lead in the third period.Gaelan Patterson (Saskatoon, SK) had two goals and Burke Gallimore (Edmonton, AB) added a single to provide the offense for the Blades.
The Blades got on the board first just over a minute into the hockey game as Patterson took a feed from Stefan Elliott (North Vancouver, BC) inside the Pats' line, broke in all alone, went to the backhand, and beat Pats' goaltender Damien Ketlo.
The Pats tied the game up just before the ten minute mark of the opening frame when Killian Hutt put home his 4th on the campaign.
The Bridge City Bunch regained the lead three minutes later when Charles Inglis (Saskatoon, SK) fished out a loose puck and fed Gallimore, who made a great move before firing one to the back of the net his 8th of the season.
Patterson picked up his second on the night late in the first period when the Blades broke out on a 3-on-2 break while shorthanded. The fourth-year Blade forward took a Jyri Niemi (Hameenkyro, Finland) cross ice feed and converted into a yawning cage.
The Pats pulled within one at the 14:31 mark of the third period when Jason Gardiner beat Blades' goaltender Adam Morrison (White Rock, BC) at the side of the net.
The hometown club completed the comeback just a minute later when Gardiner picked up his second on the night.
The game would go to a shootout where the Pats would seal the victory.
- Jordan Eberle went first for the Pats, deking out Morrison and depositing the biscuit to the back of the net.
- Walker Wintoneak (Flin Flon, MB) followed up for the Blades and hit the post.
- Gardiner was the second shooter for the Pats and was unable to get a shot off.
- Derek Hulak (Saskatoon, SK) missed over the net for the Blades on the team's second chance.
- Morrison stopped Brett Leffler with a glove save to keep the Blades alive.
- Elliott had one last chance to keep the Blades in the game and was denied with a pad save by Ketlo.
Morrison turned aside 34 of 37 shots sent his way in defeat for the Blades. Ketlo got the win for the Pats after making 27 saves between the pipes.
Final score Regina 4, Saskatoon 3 (SO).
The shootout loss ends the Blades' 7-game winning streak. However, with the single point the team has not lost in regulation now in 8 straight games. The Blades' record goes to 15-3-0-3 on the season for 33 points. The Pats improve to 8-9-2-0 for 18 points and remain three points back of fifth place in the WHL's East Division.
The Blades get right back at it tomorrow night at Credit Union Centre with a special theme night against the Prince Albert Raiders. Game time for the special "Remembrance Night" matchup is 7:05 pm. The Blades are proud to be honouring past and present members of the Armed Forces and emergency services professions at the game. All veterans and current military and emergency services personnel can purchase tickets for the game for just $10 with the presentation of identification at the time of purchase.
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