WHL Saskatoon Blades

Blades Drop Fourth Straight against League's Best

Published on March 3, 2018 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


Moose Jaw, SK - The Saskatoon Blades couldn't find a way to knock off the league leading Moose Jaw Warriors Saturday night falling 5-1 in what was the fourth straight loss. Saskatoon now slips to 31-31-2-1 on the season and due to a win by the Prince Albert Raiders, the Blades now sit four points out of a playoff spot.

The Warriors opened the scoring early on their first power play just 4:15 into the game. Roughly ten minutes later the Warriors doubled up their lead as Josh Brook slide a low shot through the wickets of Nolan Maier. Moose Jaw also held the advantage on the shot clock 11-5 at the first intermission.

The second period saw a better effort from the bleu & gold as they managed to score the only goal of the middle frame. Jake Kustra jumped into the offensive zone on a loose puck and backhanded a shot on goal. The puck then squirted out into the slot where Josh Paterson was lurking before shovelling in his 28th of the season. Saskatoon directed 10 shots on the Moose Jaw goal in the period, twice as many as in the first.

In the final 20 minutes the Blades got out to a hot start not allowing a shot on goal in the first six minutes of play. However, a disallowed goal was seemingly the turning point for Saskatoon. Kirby Dach thought he tied the game and although the official at the net initially singled a goal, he changed his mind and waved off the tying marker. After a brief discussion with the rest of the officiating crew, the goal was in fact deemed goaltender interference.

https://twitter.com/BladesHockey/status/970129718388412417

From there, the Warriors found some life and scored three consecutive goals. One on the power play, one at even strength, and a final dagger coming with under four minutes on the clock short-handed from Tristan Langan.

Nolan Maier had a solid performance making 26 saves in the loss while his counterpart at the other end, Brody Willms, stopped 25/26 shots.

Now with just 7 games remaining on the schedule the Blades will look ahead to Tuesday night when they play host to the Edmonton Oil Kings.

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