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WHL Saskatoon Blades

Late Period Goal Costs Blades against Lethbridge

February 11, 2016 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


LETHBRIDGE, AB - An Andrew Nielsen shorthanded goal with under a minute left in the 2nd period was the turning point as the Hurricanes reeled off 6 straight goals to beat the Blades 7-4 on Wednesday night in Lethbridge.

A scoreless first period set the tone for the game as both teams played physical, laying big hits and strong board work. Saskatoon was able to keep pace with the eastern conference leading Hurricanes, keeping the game knotted at zero through 20 minutes.

That style of play carried over to the 2nd period. Nick Zajac broke the scoreless game just 23 seconds into the period as he banged in a rebound from a familiar spot in front of the net. The Hurricanes however, would answer right back just 18 seconds later.

Cory Millette would lay a shot off Hamm's pad which came right to Carter Folk who made no mistake, putting it past the Blades netminder.

Saskatoon would regain the lead pas the midway point of the period on a highlight reel goal by Colton Waltz. Swinging from his own end across into the Hurricanes zone, Waltz snapped a shot high, glove side on Stuart Skinner, giving the Blades the 2-1 lead.

Once again, however, the Hurricanes would tie it right back up. This time, off the stick of Arvin Atwal who took the feed from WHL's 3rd leading scorer Brayden Burke and tucking it five-hole on Hamm.

The two teams looked poised for a tie game after 20 minutes, but with the Blades on the PP, it was Lethbridge who jumped ahead for their first lead of the game. Andrew Nielsen wired his 13th goal of the year, top corner on Hamm as he was left wide open at the top of the face-off circle. A gut wrenching goal for the Blades who were forced to play catch up in the 3rd against the 6th ranked team in the country.

"It obviously changes the complexion of the game," said assistant coach Dean Brockman. "We got a little lazy in the last 30-40 seconds, and they score on us, and the floodgates open."

"It was real tough," said defenceman Dustin Perillat on the late goal. "It set the mood on the bench, we were feeling down going into the third and it spiralled out of control."

That goal gave the Hurricanes momentum which they carried over into the 3rd period. In a span of 13 minutes, Lethbridge broke the game open, scoring four times, twice on the powerplay to put the game out of reach.

"We got away from the things that were making us successful," said defenceman Colton Waltz on the 3rd period. "We were trying to make cuter plays. We've gotta get down to the simple plays, getting pucks behind their d, winning races to the puck, winning battles."

Connor Gay and Josh Patersoneach managed to beat Skinner in the final minute of the game but it wasn't enough. The Blades can take positives out of this game, positives they'll have to carry into Friday's game against the Brandon Wheat Kings.

"We came out pretty good with our 1st period start," said Perillat. "We have to keep building off that 1st period, we can't go downhill from there."

"Just point out the first 39 minutes and try and stretch that into 60," added Brockman. "For the most part we had all our guys going. I think if you can play with a team like this, you can play with anybody."

Saskatoon has a day off tomorrow before taking on Brandon at 7PM on Friday. Stay tuned to www.saskatoonblades.com for all your coverage and follow the Blades on Twitter and on the Blades App for all your latest news.

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Western Hockey League Stories from February 11, 2016


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