WHL Saskatoon Blades

Blades Start Strong, Stumble against Wheat Kings

Published on February 23, 2019 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


The 7-game winning streak came to a screeching halt for the Saskatoon Blades on Friday in Brandon as they fell 6-2 to the surging Wheat Kings, who captured their 6th straight win. It was the first regulation loss for the red-hot Blades since January 12th, forcing them to wait at least one more night to clinch a spot in the 2019 WHL playoffs.

The game started out in favour of the visiting Blades who jumped out to an early lead courtesy of Ryan Hughes 24th goal of the season. Dawson Davidson and Kirby Dach assisted on the goal that came 2:18 into the hockey game on Saskatoon's first power play opportunity. The Blades held on to the momentum up until the midway point of the opening period, leading 14-4 on the shot clock and 1-0 on the scoreboard.

On Brandon's first man advantage, Gary Haden intercepted a pass while killing off a penalty and burst down the ice forcing the Brandon defender to intervene, resulting in a penalty shot. However, Haden was unable to convert as Jiri Patera turned aside the chance. This save seemed to be the turning point of the hockey game.

The Wheat Kings scored twice before the first break to take a 2-1 lead into the intermission, while clawing back in the shot department to trail only 16-12.

Brandon scored the next three goals of the contest, all coming in the middle frame to make it 5-1 for the home side at the second break.

Max Gerlach (37) gave the Blades some life with a power play snipe to start out the third period; Dawson Davidson had the primary assist and Dorrin Luding-- who came in to start the third period in relief of Nolan Maier-- was also credited with a helper.

The momentum didn't last long as Brandon restored their four goal lead with a short-handed goal from Ben McCartney.

The Blades outshot the Wheat Kings 40-28 in the game and went 2/4 on the power play. Brandon was 0/2 on their man advantage but did score a short-handed goal.

Saskatoon still maintains second place in the Eastern Conference with a 37-14-8-0 record and 82 points.

NOTEWORTHY NUMBERS

The magic number to clinch for the Blades is still 3, any win by Saskatoon or loss of potential points by Brandon counts towards that number.

Saskatoon hosts Kootenay Saturday night, Brandon visits Prince Albert.

Max Gerlach extended his point streak to 15 games (13G-12A).

Dawson Davidson's 2 assists give him 68 points on the season, leading all WHL d-men and sitting tied 17th in WHL scoring.

Ryan Hughes' goal extends his point streak to 4 games (4G- 1A).

UP NEXT

The Blades return home to SaskTel Centre to host the Kootenay ICE on Saturday night. Doors open at 6:00pm and opening face-off is at 7:00pm.

Check out the Saskatoon Blades Statistics

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Western Hockey League Stories from February 23, 2019


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