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WHL Saskatoon Blades

Maier Shuts the Door Again, Blades Shutout Rebels

March 3, 2019 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


Saskatoon Blades goaltender Nolan Maier
Saskatoon Blades goaltender Nolan Maier
(Saskatoon Blades)

Nolan Maier posted his second straight shutout to lead the Saskatoon Blades to a 1-0 victory on Sunday afternoon over the Red Deer Rebels. The win was the fourth straight for Saskatoon, leaving them with a 41-14-8-0 record on the season, and an opportunity to clinch home ice in the first round of the playoffs in their next game on Tuesday in Moose Jaw.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Rebels came out flying getting their first chance on goal just 10 seconds into the game. The play forced Reece Harsch to hold up his man sending Red Deer to an early power play. Nolan Maier slammed the door 12 times in the first period and allowed the Blades to settle in.

Ethan Anders was equally impressive at the other end for Red Deer as he made several show-stopping saves in what was clearly a goaltenders duel. Then 6:37 into the second period, the Blades dumped the puck in on Anders who fumbled the disc in his crease, and Cyle McNabb pounced on the loose puck to tuck in his 7th of the season. The unassisted goal would hold up as the game winner.

Saskatoon found another gear in the third period, outshooting the Rebels 10-0 in the final 20 minutes.

The Blades went 0/4 on the power play but kept the Rebels off the score sheet with a 3/3 penalty kill.

TOP PERFORMERS

Nolan Maier: 17 save shutout

Cyle McNabb: 1 goal, +1, 2 shots

Dawson Davidson: 2 shots, strong play all night.

NOTEWORTHY NUMBERS

Nolan Maier extended his shutout streak to 123:57 posting his 2nd straight shutout, 4th of the season, and 6th of his career.

The Blades magic number to clinch home ice in the first round of the playoffs is 3. Any combination of the Blades gaining points of Moose Jaw losing points counts towards the 3. Saskatoon is in Moose Jaw on Tuesday, meaning a win in any fashion would clinch home ice advantage.

UP NEXT

The Blades travel to Moose Jaw on Tuesday. Next home action is on Saturday vs the Swift Current Broncos for Don Cherry Night.

Check out the Saskatoon Blades Statistics




Images from this story

Saskatoon Blades goaltender Nolan Maier
Saskatoon Blades goaltender Nolan Maier
   



Western Hockey League Stories from March 3, 2019


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