WHL Saskatoon Blades

Blades One Win Away From Eastern Conference Final After 8-5 Win Over Rebels

Published on April 17, 2024 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


Saskatoon Blades on game night
Saskatoon Blades on game night
(Saskatoon Blades)

SHOOTOUT: The Saskatoon Blades stayed one step ahead of the Red Deer Rebels on Tuesday at the Peavey Mart Centrium to win 8-5 in Game 3. Saskatoon now lead the series 3-0, putting them one win away from their second straight Eastern Conference Final appearance.

Every time is looked as if the Blades were going to run away with the game, the Rebels would crawl back and stay on their heels, including two shorthanded goals. Known for their defensive game, the Blades showed they can go full throttle on offence when it's needed.

Anaheim Ducks prospect Egor Sidorov scored his first career WHL playoff hat-trick, his third goal being the game-winner late in the second period. The 6-foot sniper snapped a three-game goalless drought and leads the team with seven in eight playoff games.

Captain Trevor Wong was first star of the game with a goal and three assists. The 20-year-old centre extended his point streak to four games (2G, 6A) and leads the club in points this postseason with three goals and ten assists.

Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick Brandon Lisowsky finished with a goal and two assists, giving him seven points (3G, 4A) in his last four games. The Port Coquitlam, BC product is up to three goals and eight points in eight games this postseason, matching his previous career-high goal totals at the spring dance.

It wasn't rookie netminder Evan Gardner's night, allowing four goals on 20 shots. Veteran goalie Austin Elliott replaced Gardner about 35 minutes into the contest and stopped 16-of-17 shots to calm things down.

The Blades have won seven straight games, improving to 7-1 in the playoffs. A win tomorrow would send Saskatoon back to the Eastern Conference Final for the second time in as many seasons.

NEXT GAME: The Blades can punch their ticket to the Eastern Conference Final for a second straight year with a win tomorrow night in Red Deer.

Puck drop for Game 4 is 7:00pm at the Peavey Mart Centrium.

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Saskatoon Blades on game night
Saskatoon Blades on game night
   



Western Hockey League Stories from April 17, 2024


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