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WHL Saskatoon Blades

Robins, Crnkovic Combine for 11 Points, Rebels Edge Blades in Shootout

December 29, 2021 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


SASKATOON, SK - Kyle Crnkovic and Tristen Robins came together for 11 points, but it wasn't enough as the Red Deer Rebels edged the Saskatoon Blades 7-6 in a shootout Tuesday night.

Crnkovic took the game's first star, netting his second career hat-trick and adding two helpers for five points. San Jose Sharks prospect Robins lit the lamp once, and added a whopping five assists in the setback, earning second-star honours.

The star-studded performance pushes Crnkovic into the top five in league scoring with 42 points, and also sends Robins back into the top 10 with 40 points. The Clear Lake, MB product also found the net in the shootout.

Captain Aiden De La Gorgondiere had three assists, while Brandon Lisowsky and Jayden Wiens also lit the lamp for the blue and gold.

Blades goaltender Austin Elliot stopped 24 of 29 before Nolan Maier took over for the third period, where he stopped 12 of 13 as the Blades fall to 16-13-1-1 on the campaign.

Rebels alternate captain Ben King led the scoring charge for the visiting squad, scoring twice and adding an assist, while Talon Brigley scored once, along with the game-winner in the shootout. Liam Keeler, Jace Isley, and Ashdeep Bains also scored for Red Deer.

Rebels goaltender Justen Maric started the game, stopping three of six before Chase Wutzke took over for the remainder of the game, turning aside 12 of 15 as the Rebels improve to 21-9-1-1 on the year.

Saskatoon struck three times in the first period - two of which in a span of two minutes. Wright sent Robins a perfect pass near the top of the left circle and slapped it home to put Saskatoon out in front 1-0.

16 seconds later, Rebels Arshdeep Bains found Ben King down low to tie the game at one. But just over a minute later, Robins tied up Jayden Grubbe during the faceoff, giving Crnkovic enough time to put it past Maric as Saskatoon went back in front 2-1.

Saskatoon added another one late in the first after a shot from De La Gorgondiere was tipped in front by Lisowsky, extending the lead to 3-1 after 20.

The Rebels started the second period hot, scoring just three minutes in. Talon Brigley jammed away at a loose puck next to Elliott's left post that somehow squeaked through the pad and over the line, cutting the lead to one.

Once again, Crnkovic had the answer, netting his second of the game to regain the Blades two-goal lead.

Just under a minute later, the Blades added to their lead as Wiens capitalized on a rebound to net his eighth of the year.

The Rebels then scored three unanswered goals of their own as Bains, Liam Keller, and Jace Isley found the back of the net as Red Deer tied Saskatoon 5-5.

Crnkovic completed his first hat-trick of the season wish just 6.8 seconds showing on the clock, finishing off a no-look pass from Robins. The goal gave the Blades a narrow 6-5 lead heading into the third period.

The lone goal in the third period came off the stick of King just past the midway mark of the period, sending this one into extra time.

Robins gave the Blades the shootout lead with a goal in the second round, but that's all Saskatoon would get as Keeler and Brigley went on to score for the Rebels in rounds three and four, sealing the victory.

The Blades are back at home Thursday night for their last game of 2021 as they play host to the Prince Albert Raiders. Puck drop is set for 7:00pm from SaskTel Centre.

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