WHL Saskatoon Blades

Blades' Season on the Line After Game 3 Loss to Rebels

Published on April 19, 2023 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


Red Deer Rebels' Jace Isley versus Saskatoon Blades' Blake Gustafson
Red Deer Rebels' Jace Isley versus Saskatoon Blades' Blake Gustafson
(Saskatoon Blades)

Red Deer, AB - Three unanswered goals allowed by the Saskatoon Blades inside the Peavey Mart Centrium resulted in a 3-1 loss in Game 3 vs the Red Deer Rebels Tuesday. Saskatoon now trails 3-0 in the second-round best-of-seven series.

The Blades scored the first goal of the series for the first time in Game 3 but couldn't hang on to force a Game 5 back on home-ice Friday.

The Blue and Gold's backs are against the wall needing four straight wins in order move to the Eastern Conference final.

No goals came in the first period for the third consecutive game in this series. Red Deer held the edge in shots 8-7 through the first 20.

The Blades drew first blood on the scoresheet when alternate captain Trevor Wong struck 5:04 into the second. The Vancouver, BC. product was parked in front of Rebels netminder Kyle Kelsey and swatted home a rebound off of linemate Brandon Lisowsky's point shot. Wong's first of the series gives him four goals and a team-leading 13 points in ten games this postseason. Finding the scoresheet first was exactly what the doctor ordered for Saskatoon, giving them their first lead of the series.

The Rebels didn't cower as forward Frantisek Formanek netted his third goal of the postseason to even things up 1-1.

With under 3:30 left in the middle frame winger Dwayne, Jean Jr. scored his first career playoff goal to give the hosts their first lead of the game. The former Tri-City American had a goal called back in the first period after review due to the puck not crossing the line but made up for it sending the Blades down one in a crucial third period.

Saskatoon had several chances but couldn't capitalize as they pulled rookie netminder Austin Elliott with just under three-minutes left to put six attackers on the ice. The Blue and Gold controlled play in the Rebels zone but couldn't regain it as Rebels forward Kalan Lind netted his second of the postseason into the empty-net. The Shaunavon, SK. native is up to four points in eight games this postseason.

What's Next?

The Blades fight for their lives Wednesday in Game 4 at the Peavey Mart Centrium in a win or go home situation.

Puck Drop is 7:00pm.

Check out the Saskatoon Blades Statistics

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



Images from this story

Red Deer Rebels' Jace Isley versus Saskatoon Blades' Blake Gustafson
Red Deer Rebels' Jace Isley versus Saskatoon Blades' Blake Gustafson
   



Western Hockey League Stories from April 19, 2023


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