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WHL Saskatoon Blades

Blades Take 3-2 Series Lead After Overtime Thriller at Home

May 4, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


Saskatoon Blades celebrate win
Saskatoon Blades celebrate win
(Saskatoon Blades)

CHECK YOUR PULSE: Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Fraser Minten recorded a pair of goals, including the overtime winner, to help the Saskatoon Blades win Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final 5-4 against the Moose Jaw Warriors. More than 11,000 fans packed SaskTel Centre to root on the Blue and Gold, and they were not disappointed.

It was a perfect first two periods for the Blades, going up 4-0 after 40 minutes. Four unanswered goals by the Warriors in the third made things a little dicy, but Minten came through in the extra frame for a second time this series. The Vancouver, BC product scored the game's opening and closing goal, giving him three goals and one assist this series. Minten has eight goals and six assists in 14 playoff games this year, coming up clutch in the biggest moments during this run.

Anaheim Ducks prospect Egor Sidorov scored his league-leading 14th goal of the playoffs in the first period, giving him a team-best 20 points in 14 games. Alternate captain Charlie Wright earned second star on the evening with a goal and an assist, giving him a the most points amongst Blades defenceman this postseason with four goals and eight assists in 14 games. Fellow Leafs property Brandon Lisowsky picked up his seventh goal of the playoffs, giving him 17 points in 14 games. The Port Coquitlam, BC native has three goals and three assists this series.

Washington Capitals prospect Alexander Suzdalev whipped up three assists, owning nine total with four goals in 14 games this postseason. Pending WHL graduate Easton Armstrong also picked up a pair of helpers, giving him four assists in his last three games.

Rookie netminder Evan Gardner collected his tenth win of the playoffs stopping 39-of-43 shots.

The Blades are one win away from their first WHL Final appearance since 1994. Pushing Moose Jaw's back against the wall, Saskatoon can advance to the final Sunday with a victory in Game 6 at the Moose Jaw Events Centre.

NEXT GAME: The Blades can punch their ticket to the WHL Final on Sunday with a win in game 6 at the Moose Jaw Events Centre.

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Saskatoon Blades celebrate win
Saskatoon Blades celebrate win
   

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