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WHL Saskatoon Blades

Blades Clinch Playoff Spot with Shootout Victory

February 24, 2019 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


The Saskatoon Blades have clinched a berth in the Western Hockey League playoffs for the first time since 2013 thanks to a 4-3 shootout win over the Kootenay ICE on Saturday night at SaskTel Centre.

HOW IT HAPPENED

A pair of Washington Capitals prospects teamed up to open the scoring for Saskatoon. Eric Florchuk drove wide and centered the puck for Kristian Roykas-Marthinsen who shovelled in his 12th of the season.

Birthday boy Brandon Schuldhaus then delivered a gift to Gary Haden later in the first period to set up Uncle Gary in the slot for his 28th of the season. Captain Chase Wouters had the secondary assist. Kootenay would get on the board through veteran Jaeger White (25) before the first intermission.

Reece Harsch (4) scored the lone goal in the 2nd period courtesy of Ryan Hughes and Riley McKay. Kootenay netminder Jesse Makaj was sharp in the period as Saskatoon outshot the ICE 17-6 in the middle stanza.

Kootenay then scored two unanswered goals in the 3rd from Brad Ginnell (14) and Jakin Smallwood (12) to send the game to extra time.

The ICE failed to capitalize on a power play in overtime as Dorrin Luding shut the door.

Blades rookie, Kyle Crnkovic, scored the only shootout goal for both sides in his first ever WHL shootout attempt. The Blades win combined with Brandon losing in Prince Albert secured the Blades spot in the post-season as they improved their overall record to 38-14-8-0.

TOP PERFORMERS

Dorrin Luding: 34 saves, 3/3 in the shootout, 1st star

Eric Florchuk: 1 assist, +1, 4 SOG

Gary Haden: 1 goal, +1, 2 SOG

NOTEWORTHY NUMBERS

Dorrin Luding went a perfect 3/3 in his first shootout of his career.

Kyle Crnkovic scored in his first career shootout attempt.

Max Gerlach saw his 15 game point streak come to an end, just the 2nd time since Christmas he has been held pointless in a game.

UNSUNG HERO

Reece Harsch scored his 4th goal of the season which ended up being a crucial goal in the game.

UP NEXT

The Blades continue their home stand on Tuesday when they welcome the Lethbridge Hurricanes for the final Toonie Tuesday of the season.

Check out the Saskatoon Blades Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from February 24, 2019


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