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WHL Saskatoon Blades

Maier Pitches Shutout for Blades 40th Victory

March 2, 2019 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


Nolan Maier recorded his third shutout of the season backstopping the Saskatoon Blades to a 4-0 victory on Friday night over the visiting Regina Pats. The win gives Saskatoon a 40-14-8-0 record on the year; the first time the Blades have hit the 40-win milestone since the 2012-13 season.

WHAT WENT DOWN

Washington Capitals prospect Eric Florchuk (21) scored his second short-handed goal of the season to open things up courtesy of a chip from Kirby Dach 2:10 into the game.

Blades' leading scorer Max Gerlach (38) showed off some slick moves in tight to beat Regina goaltender Dean McNabb in the final minute of the first period. This give Saskatoon a 2-0 lead at the first break.

Ryan Hughes (27) increased the lead for the home side, while displaying great patience, moving across the slot to out-wait McNabb. Dawson Davidson and Riley McKay added the assists.

Minutes later Kyle Crnkovic (11) got in on the action as he sniped a laser short-side over the should of McNabb just as time expired on a Regina penalty to make it 4-0.

Saskatoon outshot Regina in all three periods and 35-19 overall. Dean McNabb was named 3rd star of the game for his efforts in the Regina goal, Nolan Maier's 19 save shutout was good for 2nd star honours, and Eric Florchuk got the final call out as the game's 1st star.

Neither team managed to convert on the man advantage; the Blades were 0/9 while the Pats went 0/7. Saskatoon did however score one short-handed goal.

TOP PERFORMERS

Dawson Davidson: 2 assists, +4

Ryan Hughes: 1 goal, +1, 3 shots

Eric Florchuk: 1 short-handed goal, +2, 3 shots, 11/14 in face-offs.

NOTEWORTHY NUMBERS

Ryan Hughes extended his point streak to 7 games (7G-5A).

Nolan Maier recorded his 3rd shutout of the season, 5th of his career.

HOME ICE CLINCHING

The Blades win combined with Moose Jaw losing tonight moves the Blades' magic number to clinch home ice in the 1st round of the playoffs to 5. Any combination of the Blades gaining points or the Warriors losing potential points count towards that number of 5. Moose Jaw is at home Saturday night to Prince Albert.

UP NEXT

The Blades take Saturday off and get ready to host the Red Deer Rebels on Sunday afternoon at 2:00pm at SaskTel Centre.

Check out the Saskatoon Blades Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from March 2, 2019


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