WHL Saskatoon Blades

Blades Keep Rolling, Win Fourth Straight over Americans

Published on November 17, 2018 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


HOW IT HAPPENED

Kirby Dach opened the scoring just 55 seconds into the game with his 13th goal of the season. A highlight reel, end-to-end, far side snipe over the glove of Americans' netminder Beck Warm. Try-City answered to tie the game 1-1 after the 1st. The Blades then got a power play goal, a tip-in from Josh Paterson (6th) in the second period to regain the lead. Dawson Davidson and Kirby Dach each assisted on the goal. Again the Americans responded to tie it up 2-2 after 40.

In the 3rd period, Tri-City struck first before three straight goals from the Blades. Saskatoon found another gear in the final period, outshooting Tri-City 20-4. The goals came from Eric Florchuk (6,7) and Randen Schmidt, who scored his 1st career WHL goal which ended up being the game winner.

Nolan Maier made 29 saves to earn the win for the Blades; his 12th win of the season and 4th straight. Beck Warm stopped 35/40 shots for Tri-City.

TURNING POINT

Late in the 3rd period Riley Sawchuk set up Connor Bouchard with a back-door feed... Bouchard had an empty net chance to regain the lead right after Eric Florchuk had tied it at 3-3 but Dawson Davidson laid out to make a save and block the shot.

TOP PERFORMERS

Kirby Dach registered his 11th multi-point game of the season with a goal and 3 assists. Dach now has 39 points on the season and extended his point streak to 6 games (3G-9A).

Eric Florchuk scored twice in the 3rd period, the tying goal and the insurance marker. He also had 4 shots on goal.

Brandon Schuldhaus logged some heavy minutes down the stretch as Seth Bafaro was assessed a 10 minute misconduct in third period. He was also the only Blade with a +2 rating in the win.

NOTEWORTHY NUMBERS

Randen Schmidt scored his 1st career goal in the 3rd period which was the game winner.

Josh Paterson had a goal and an assist, giving him 9 points in his last 9 games. He also had a team high 7 shots on goal.

Dawson Davidson had 2 assists to bring his season total to 25 points, good for 2nd among all d-men in the WHL.

UNSUNG HERO

Randen Schmidt got the go ahead goal with 4:28 left in the 3rd period to give his team and the fans a jolt of energy and eventually win the game.

UP NEXT

The Blades welcome the Lethbridge Hurricanes on Wednesday night for the final home game before embarking on their biennial B.C. Division road trip.

Check out the Saskatoon Blades Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Western Hockey League Stories from November 17, 2018


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central