ROUND 1 GAME 3 PREVIEW | Playoff hockey returns to SaskTel Centre for Game 3
Key Players, Notable Stats, How to Watch and More
Playoff hockey is back at SaskTel Centre!
Round 1 Game 3 presented by Discover Saskatoon between the Saskatoon Blades (1-1) and Edmonton Oil Kings (1-1) takes place inside SaskTel Centre at 7:00pm. The Blades return to home ice after splitting games 1 and 2 on the road at Rogers Place. Saskatoon emerged victorious 3-2 in Game 1 on Friday. Trailing 3-1 with under five minutes remaining in regulation during Game 2, Blades forwards Hayden Harsanyi and David Lewandowski scored to force overtime on Sunday. A late powerplay goal from Edmonton sealed a 4-3 loss for Saskatoon, tying the series 1-1.
“That was a huge weekend for us,” said Harsanyi, “I think, you know, if there was any doubt in the room it’s gone. To get one on the road, obviously two would’ve been unbelievable, but I mean, it’s playoffs, you’ve got to shake it off. It’s a long series. We got one on the road, so I think we’ve got full confidence coming into this week at home.”
Special teams was the difference in Game 2. Saskatoon went 0/5 on the man-advantage while allowing three powerplay goals on six penalty kill attempts, including the game winner in overtime. Blades Head Coach Dan DaSilva says he likes the way his team is playing 5-on-5 and believes despite the one powerplay goal on 11 attempts, the man-advantage has generated several dangerous chances.
“The powerplay needs to capitalize on their opportunities. I feel like we’ve had some good looks and some pucks just haven’t found the back of the net. We understand they (Edmonton) had, I think, the best penalty kill in the conference, so it’s a tough test. They do a great job with their penalty kill over there.”
Harsanyi finished Game 2 with two goals, while Lewandowski recorded a goal and two assists for three points. Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Evan Gardner stopped 39 of 42 shots in defeat, including two ten-bell saves in overtime to keep the Blades alive late into the frame.
“We’re seeing playoff Evan Gardner right now, and that’s the best version of him,” said DaSilva.
Game 3 between the Blades and Oil Kings begins at 7:00pm with doors opening at 6:00pm.
The good guys
The Blades have outshot the Oil Kings 74-71 so far in the series. Saskatoon’s powerplay has one goal on 11 attempts, good for 9.1%. The penalty kill is operating at 63.6%, allowing four goals on 11 attempts. Harsanyi’s three goals in two games is tied for the team-lead in scoring alongside Lewandowski’s three points. Gardner’s postseason record is 1-1 with a .915 save percentage (SV%) and 2.64 goals against average (GAA). In 21 career postseason appearances, Gardner is 11-5-4 with a .904 SV%, 2.79 GAA, and one shutout.
The opposition
Rookie netminder Parker Snell stole the show for Edmonton in games 1 and 2. The 2008-born goalie turned aside 68 of 74 shots, including 41 in Game 2 alone. Snell’s 1-1 in his playoff career with a .919SV% and 2.66GAA. Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Miroslav Holinka led the way offensively in Game 2 for Edmonton with a powerplay goal and two assists. Team Canada World Junior Championship defenceman Ethan Mackenzie scored the game-winning goal in Game 2 and has three points (1G, 2A) through two games.
Watch & Listen
Coverage for Game 3 of Round 1 presented by Discover Saskatoon is FREE on Victory+ TV. Blades Communications Manager Tanner Chubey and 650 CKOM’s Scott Roblin get you ready for the action at 6:45 with the Pre-Game Show. Stick around for in-depth analysis from Chubey and Roblin during intermissions, and watch all the action for FREE on Victory+ TV. Head to victoryplus.com to watch or sign up and make your free account today.
