WHL Saskatoon Blades

Blades Take Game Three on the Road

March 27, 2019 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


The Saskatoon Blades have taken a 3-0 stranglehold on their first round playoff series with the Moose Jaw Warriors following a 3-2 victory on Tuesday night at Mosaic Place in Moose Jaw.

Kyle Crnkovic (1) opened the scoring late in the first period after taking a pass off in the slot from Dawson Davidson. The now 17-year-old rookie then released a wrist-shot across his body, against the grain, to beat Adam Evanoff far-side over the glove for his first career playoff goal. Ryan Hughes had the second assist on the play.

Moose Jaw responded midway through the second period after Keenan Taphorn (1) was left alone in the slot to beat Nolan Maier.

Kirby Dach (2) put the Blades back in front before the second intermission with his second goal in as many games. The play started with Brandon Schuldhaus on the point, he dished off to his partner Nolan Kneen who then went down the face-off circle for Ryan Hughes. The 19-year-old Edmonton native then looked as if he was going to shoot, but spotted Dach spinning out of coverage for an easy tap in while Riley McKay drew the attention of Jett Woo in front of the Moose Jaw net.

The Blades led 2-1 on the score board and 26-17 on the shot clock after 40 minutes.

Once again the Warriors clawed back and tied the game early in the third period. This time Carson Denomie (2) followed up on his own rebound and swatted a bouncing puck through a pile of bodies for his second tally of the series.

Moose Jaw ran into some penalty trouble later in the period which put the Blades on an extended two man advantage. Brayden Tracey shot the puck over the glass for a delay of game penalty, and then captain Josh Brook did the same thing 32 seconds later to give the visitors 1:28 of 5-on-3 time.

Max Gerlach (4) finished off a passing play in tight from Kirby Dach and Nolan Kneen with 4:21 left on the clock. The game winning goal was Gerlach's fourth of the series, extending his goal scoring streak to six games dating back to the regular season.

Saskatoon finished the night 1/5 on the power play and denied Moose Jaw on all three of their power play opportunities.

Game four goes tonight at 7:00pm at Mosaic Place in Moose Jaw.

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Western Hockey League Stories from March 27, 2019


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