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WHL Saskatoon Blades

Blades Streak Snapped at Five

February 28, 2016 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


SASKATOON, SK - The Blades were feeling the sensation of winning and had confidence as they were welcoming Brayden Point and Dryden Hunt to SaskTel Centre. Though a 4-1 loss was the result, the team still took a lot of positives as they still continue to hunt for a playoff spot.

"Honestly if we were going to lose a game to end the streak, tonight was the way it should be. We played a really good game for 60 minutes ran into a hot goalie in Willms who made 45 saves but we just didn't burry our chances. It's unfortunate but it happens and to end the streak like that it's definitely a positive," says Connor Gay on the positives of this afternoons game.

With eight minutes left in the first period, the dynamic duo of Point and Hunt continued as Hunt unloaded a one timer that beat Smith through the arm for Hunt's 50th of the season giving the Warriors a 1-0 lead.

The Warriors kept the pressure in the Blades zone as Evan Smith made 14 saves through 20 minutes.

In the second period Noah Gregor took a tripping penalty and just seven seconds into the man advantage, Nick Zajac's wrist shot beat Willms short side to tie the game at one.

With less than four minutes to play, the Warriors pressed back as a scramble in front of the Blades net ensued and Brett Howden pounced on the rebound for his 21st for a 2-1 Warriors lead.

The third period was a big period in which it could go either way for both teams. With Saskatoon looking to get back in the hockey game and the Warriors looking to extend their lead. It just so happened that the flood gates opened for the Warriors in the final 20 minutes.

On an Anthony Bishop charging call, the Warriors with some nice passing as Hunt with a cross ice pass to Brett Howden for the tap in to extend the Moose Jaw lead to 3-1.

Tampa Bay prospect Brayden Point broke out on the rush and on the right wing, picked the corner and went high glove on Smith for a 4-1 Moose Jaw score and that would suffice the period as the Blades five game winning streak is snapped.

Despite what it says on the scoreboard, the Blades piled 45 shots on Brody Willms in the loss and Bob Woods was fairly pleased with the way the team performed in the losing effort. "I liked how we played. Some nights those shots go in, some nights they don't and there were some really good opportunities and Willms made some big saves when he had to."

"I'll be happy to see them out of the league," joked Woods on Dryden Hunt and Brayden Point. "They're dangerous every time they're on the ice. When Hunt shoots the puck it's got a chance to go in no matter whose in net and with Point you just got to hold your breath every time he has the puck on his stick because usually he makes a really good play and makes the right decisions but they're good players."

The Blades will have a day off before travelling to Brandon on Tuesday to take on the Wheat Kings Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. Saskatoon time.

Check out the Saskatoon Blades Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from February 28, 2016


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