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WHL Saskatoon Blades

Blades Open Road Trip with Win over Cougars

November 25, 2018 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


The Saskatoon Blades scored 4 unanswered goals on Saturday night in Prince George en route to a 4-1 victory over the Cougars at the CN Centre. Now at 15-8-2-0 on the season, the Blades will continue their 5-game road trip through British Columbia on Tuesday in Langley when they visit the Vancouver Giants.

HOW IT WENT DOWN

Prince George got an early goal thanks to Mike MacLean jamming in a puck at the side of the Blades goal just 2:04 into the game. The play was initially blown dead but after the goal light came on and a quick video review the Cougars were awarded the goal.

Max Gerlach (15) then tied the game on Saskatoon's first power play of the night before Seth Bafaro (3) gave the Blades the lead with just 23 seconds left in the first period.

Neither team lit the lamp in the middle frame but a pair of Washington Capitals prospects showed off their sniping skills in the third. First, Emil Malysjev fed Eric Florchuk in the high slot and the 18-year-old had all day to lock and load a wrist shot over the glove of Cougars netminder Taylor Gauthier. Then Norwegian import Kristian Roykas-Marthinsen put the final nail in the coffin with a lethal shot to beat Gauthier short-side while coming in down the right wing. Nolan Maier made 21 saves to earn his 13th win of the season.

TURNING POINT

Seth Bafaro's goal late in the first period gave the Blades the peace of mind of playing with a lead and they never looked back. Bafaro, a native of Revelstoke, B.C., had his parents in attendance in Prince George.

TOP PERFORMERS

Max Gerlach had a goal, an assist, 7 shots on goal, and a +1 rating.

Eric Florchuk was hard on the forecheck all night and was rewarded with his 8th goal of the season.

Seth Bafaro had the game winning goal and was the only Blade with a +2 rating.

NOTEWORTHY NUMBERS

Kristian Roykas-Marthinsen scored his 7th goal of the season to extend his point streak to 3 games.

Gary Haden had 2 assists giving him 11 points in 12 games as a member of the Blades.

Nolan Maier's stingy performance brings his season save percentage to .914% and moves into 4th place for wins in the WHL with 13.

UNSUNG HERO

Chase Wouters added an assist and was a beast in the face-off circle going 68% on 25 draws.

UP NEXT

The Blades will travel to Vancouver on Sunday and practice Monday before taking on the Giants on Tuesday.

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