Saunderson Plays Hero in Overtime, Blades Take 2-0 Series Lead Over Rebels
Published on April 14, 2024 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release
Saskatoon Blades celebrate win
(Saskatoon Blades)
DAWG IN HIM: Defenceman Ben Saunderson scored the overtime winner at SaskTel Centre on Sunday to lift the Blades to a 2-1 victory against the Red Deer Rebels. The Bridge City Bunch now lead the best-of-seven second round series 2-0.
The Carberry, MB native found himself on the receiving end of captain Trevor Wong's pass with 2:59 left to go in the first overtime and buried his second goal of the postseason. Saunderson was named first star in Game 2, finishing the night with a goal and an assist.
Rookie netminder Evan Gardner remained perfect in his WHL postseason career with a 24-save performance, improving to 6-0 these playoffs. The NHL draft-eligible goalie has won 15 consecutive starts dating all the way back to a 9-1 victory against the Regina Pats on Jan. 31st.
Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Fraser Minten opened the scoring just over halfway through the game, giving him goals in three straight contests. The Vancouver, BC native has four goals and six points on his current three-game point streak and eight points (4G, 4A) in six games this postseason.
The Blades are on a six-game win streak and are headed to Red Deer for games 3 and 4 with the Rebels backs against the wall.
NEXT GAME: The series shifts to the Peavey Mart Centrium in Red Deer for games 3 and 4. Game 3 is Tuesday, April 16th followed by Game 4 the following night.
Images from this story
 Saskatoon Blades celebrate win |
Western Hockey League Stories from April 14, 2024
- Saunderson Plays Hero in Overtime, Blades Take 2-0 Series Lead Over Rebels - Saskatoon Blades
- Broncos Drop Game Two to Warriors - Swift Current Broncos
- Cougars Dominate Rockets 5-0 and Take 2-0 Series Lead - Prince George Cougars
- Rockets Shut Down By Cougars Again - Kelowna Rockets
- Hawks Win Sixth Straight for 2-0 Series Lead - Portland Winterhawks
- Warriors Strike Back, Take Game 2 on Saturday - Moose Jaw Warriors
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