WHL Saskatoon Blades

Blades Tame Tigers for Third Straight Victory

Published on November 14, 2018 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


HOW IT HAPPENED

The visiting Tigers drew first blood on Tuesday night with power play marker in the first period from Ryan Chyzowski. The Blades then answered back with three straight goals starting with a monster 2nd period when they outshot the Tigers 20-9. Max Gerlach banked in his team leading 14th goal of the season from behind the net; Eric Florchuk had the helper.

Fresh off a stint with Team Canada at the World U17 Challenge, 16-year-old rookie, Kyle Crnkovic, gave the Blades a 2-1 lead with his first career WHL point; a short side snipe upstairs. Gary Haden then set up Chase Wouters in the 3rd period for the captain's 3rd of the season. Medicine Hat got a late goal with the net empty and two Blades in the box-- a 6-on-3, but Kirby Dach answered with an empty netter to seal the 4-2 victory.

TURNING POINT

The Blades penalty, which was 8/9 on the night, killed off a Brandon Machado tripping minor to start the 2nd period. From there, the team didn't look back and took control of the game with a big push in the middle frame.

TOP PERFORMERS

Nolan Maier made 37 saves to earn 1st star for a third straight game. He was instrumental in the PK having such a successful night.

Brandon Schuldhaus logged a lot of heavy minutes on the penalty kill, blocked shots, cleared the front of the net, and was physical all night. He was named the 2nd star of the game finishing the night with a +3 rating and 3 shots on goal.

Eric Florchuk had two assists, 2 breakaways, 4 shots on goal, and was a +2 on the night.

NOTEWORTHY NUMBERS

Kyle Crnkovic scored his 1st career goal, and his 1st career WHL point.

Max Gerlach scored his team leading 14th goal, it was also his 200th career WHL point. His 3rd goal in as many games against the Tigers this season.

Kirby Dach's empty net goal extended his point streak to 5 games (2 goals, 6 assists).

UNSUNG HERO

Chase Wouters scored game winning goal, went 15/30 in the face-off circle, had 5 shots on net, and was a work horse on the penalty kill.

UP NEXT

The Blades welcome the Tri-City Americans to SaskTel Centre on Saturday for their only meeting of the season. Saskatoon will look for their fourth straight win, game time is 7:00pm.

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Western Hockey League Stories from November 14, 2018


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