WHL Saskatoon Blades

Blades Settle for Single Point in OT Loss to Raiders

December 28, 2018 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


The Saskatoon Blades earned at least a point for the sixth straight game (4-0-2-0) on Thursday night after falling 4-3 in overtime to the visiting Prince Albert Raiders. Now at 21-10-5-0 on the season, the Blades will travel to Prince Albert for a rematch with the Raiders on Friday night.

HOW IT WENT DOWN

Kyle Crnkovic (2) got things going on Saskatoon's first power play opportunity of the game with a quick wrist shot over the glove of Prince Albert netminder Donovan Buskey. Brandon Schuldhaus and Tristen Robins added the assists. 38 seconds later Noah Gregor (20) got the Raiders even with his 20th of the season, making it 1-1 after the first period.

Noah Gregor (21) then gave the Raiders their first lead 2:52 into the second period with his 2nd of the night. Eric Florchuk (10) answered back for the Blades thanks to a quick feed in front from Kristian Roykas-Marthinsen... Tristen Robins had the secondary helper for his 2nd point of the evening.

Less than two minutes later, Max Gerlach (20) ripped a one-timer on a 5-on-3 power play to regain Saskatoon's lead at 3-2, which held up through the second intermission.

Prince Albert captain, Brayden Pachal (8,9), scored the lone goal in the third period to tie the game at 3-3. Pachal then completed the comeback in scoring his 2nd of the night 33 seconds into overtime.

Nolan Maier made 27 saves on 31 shots while Donovan Buskey went 23/26 at the other end. Saskatoon finished the night 2/5 on the power play and denied the Raiders' single chance on the man advantage.

TOP PERFORMERS

Tristen Robins had his 2nd career 2-point night with 2 assists, and went 12/16 in face-offs.

Kristian Roykas-Marthinsen had an assist in his first game back since Dec. 1.

Nolan Maier's 27 saves got the Blades into overtime to earn a point in the standings.

NOTEWORTHY NUMBERS

Tristen Robins now has 4 points in 4 games against the Blades this season.

Kristian Roykas-Marthinsen extended his point streak to 4 games (1G-3A).

Brandon Schuldhaus picked up an assist for a 3rd straight game.

Kyle Crnkovic scored his 2nd career goal, first on the power play, and now has points in back to back games.

UNSUNG HERO

Nolan Kneen brought a physical presence to the game with a huge hit in the first period that caused Carson Miller to instigate a fight. Kneen not only won the fight, but created a power play which resulted in the Blades taking a 1-0 lead.

UP NEXT

The Blades travel to Prince Albert for a rematch with the Raiders on Friday night. Next home action is on Tuesday, January 1st, at 2:00pm versus the Swift Current Broncos.

Check out the Saskatoon Blades Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from December 28, 2018


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