Sports stats



WHL Saskatoon Blades

Blades Shutout League Leading Raiders

December 10, 2018 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


The Saskatoon Blades did something no other team has been able to do this season; shutout the CHL's top team, the Prince Albert Raiders 1-0. The Blades improve to 19-10-3-0 on the season and take over sole possession of second place in the Eastern Conference.

HOW IT WENT DOWN

It felt like a playoff game on Sunday at SaskTel Centre as the two top teams in the East Division squared off for the first time in almost two months.

Saskatoon got momentum in the first period thanks to the penalty killers denying the Raiders on 4 straight man advantage opportunities. The Blades still managed to get 10 shots on goal in the first period to stay even with Prince Albert after a scoreless opening 20.

Tristen Robins scored the only goal of the game 5:14 into the second period after taking a feed from Nolan Kneen. The rookie made a nice move to beat Toronto Maple Leafs prospect and Team Canada World Junior invite Ian Scott on the glove side, making the Teddy Bears rain down at SaskTel Centre in front of 6334 fans. The Blades outshot the Raiders 8-6 in the middle frame.

Prince Albert pushed the pace in the final 20 minutes with another 14 shots on goal, but couldn't just solve Nolan Maier. The 17-year-old 2019 NHL Draft eligible netminder stopped all 32 shots he faced to earn his 2nd shutout of the season and 4th of his WHL career.

TURNING POINT

Tristen Robins' goal in the second period gave the Blades the lead and they kept the pedal down afterwards not letting the Raiders back into the game.

TOP PERFORMERS

Nolan Maier made 32 saves for his 2nd shutout of the season.

Tristen Robins scored his 5th career goal and his 1st ever Teddy Toss goal.

Kirby Dach had a strong night on the defensive side of the puck and went 8/11 in the face-off circle.

NOTEWORTHY NUMBERS

Saskatoon went 5/5 on the penalty kill.

Nolan Kneen added his 4th assist in his 7th game as a Blade.

The Blades snapped Prince Albert's 22 game streak of 21-0-0-1.

CHL leading scorer Brett Leason saw his 30 game point streak to start the season come to end.

UNSUNG HERO

Zach Huber made his physical presence known and came up with a big shot block late in the 3rd period.

UP NEXT

The Blades home stand continues on Tuesday when the host the Edmonton Oil Kings at 7:00pm for Toonie Tuesday. Buy 1 ticket at the door and receive a 2nd for just $2.

Check out the Saskatoon Blades Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from December 10, 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.

Other Recent Saskatoon Blades Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central