GAME 16 PREVIEW | U.S. trip continues as Blades visit Chiefs
Key Players, Notable Stats, How to Watch and More
The Saskatoon Blades (10-5-0-0) begin the second leg of the U.S. Division road trip tonight at 8:00pm MT when they visit Numerica Veterans Arena to challenge the Spokane Chiefs (7-6-0-0).
Last night saw the Blades’ first win of the trip to improve to 1-2-0-0. The Blades downed the Tri-City Americans 4-2, marking the seventh consecutive win for the Blades in head-to-head meetings against the Americans. Saskatoon forward Zach Olsen opened the scoring with just over four minutes remaining in the opening frame to give the team their first lead of the trip. It was short lived as the Americans responded one minute later. The hosts took a 2-1 lead after 40 minutes thanks to a short-handed goal late in the second period.
A three-goal third period, and a save of the year candidate by Blades goalie Ethan McCallum, lifted the Blades to their first win in six instances where the team’s trailed after two periods. McCallum’s robbery with the glove was just one of the 19-year-old’s 29 saves on the night. The 6-foot-4 netminder earned second star honours as his record improved to 4-1-0-0 on the year. Martensville, SK native Kazden Mathies was named first star thanks to a one goal and two assist performance. The left-handed shot has five goals and four assists in his last five games. Mathies has six goals and five assists in 15 games. 20-year-old alternate captain Rowan Calvert and NHL draft-eligible forward Zach Olsen each recorded a goal and an assist.
The Blades are first place in the East Division with a 10-5-0-0 record, good for 20 points.
Standings
Extend the streak?
Saskatoon’s won three straight head-to-head meetings against the Chiefs, outscoring them 12-6 in the process. The last time Saskatoon suffered a loss to the hosts was Nov. 22, 2019 on the road.
The good guys
Edmonton Oilers draft pick David Lewandowski leads the team in points with 16 (5G, 11A) in 13 games. Calvert has the most goals on the team with eight in 15 games. Second-year defenceman Jordan Martin has the best +/- at +13. Despite four goals on 19 shots in Saturday’s 6-3 loss to the Portland Winterhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Evan Gardner boasts a 6-4-0-0 record between the pipes with. .919 save percentage (SV%), 2.39 goals against average (GAA), and one shutout.
The opposition
Spokane dropped their latest game 5-2 against the Everett Silvertips on Sunday. The home loss dropped their home record to 2-3-0-0 on the season. NHL draft-eligible forward Mathis Preston leads the team in points with 11 (6G, 5A) in 13 games. The 2008-born forward was one of seven Western Hockey League (WHL) developed players to receive an “A” rating on NHL Central Scouting’s Preliminary Rankings. Rookie netminder Carter Esler is 5-4-0-0 with a .918 SV%, 2.29 GAA, and tied for the league-lead in shutouts with two.
Milestone watch
Watch & Listen
Fans can watch tonight’s game for FREE on Victory+ TV. Click HERE to make your free account today.
Voice of the Blades Les Lazaruk and Blades Communications Manager Tanner Chubey will have the call on 600 CJWW. Coverage begins at 7:45pm MT with the pre-game show.
