GAME 17 PREVIEW | Trick-or-win as Blades visit Thunderbirds on Halloween
Key Players, Notable Stats, How to Watch and More
The Saskatoon Blades (10-5-1-0) hope for a win in their trick-or-treat bag as they visit the Seattle Thunderbirds (5-7-0-0) for halloween havoc. Puck drop from ShoWare Center is at 8:00pm MT.
Tonight marks the fifth game of the Blades’ six-game U.S. Division road trip. Saskatoon is 1-2-1-0 on the journey after dropping Wednesday’s contest 2-1 in overtime against the Spokane Chiefs. The game was deadlocked 0-0 after 40 minutes of play, but Blades forward Dominik Petr broke the ice with his team-leading fifth powerplay goal 28 seconds into the third. The 20-year-old centre snapped an eight-game goalless drought to give him 15 points (7G, 8A) in 16 games.
Spokane less than six minutes later, forcing the game to an extra frame. Forward Owen Martin needed 43 seconds in overtime to rob the Blades of an extra point.
A 22-save performance from Blades goalie Evan Gardner earned him second star on the night. The result drops Gardner’s record to 6-4-1-0.
Standings
Extend the streak?
Saskatoon’s won three straight head-to-head meetings against the Thunderbirds, outscoring them 12-4 in the process. The last time Saskatoon suffered a loss to the hosts was Nov. 23, 2019 on the road.
The good guys
Edmonton Oilers draft pick David Lewandowski leads the team in points with 16 (5G, 11A) in 14 games. Alternate captain Rowan Calvert has the most goals on the team with eight in 16 games. Second-year defenceman Jordan Martin has the best +/- at +12. Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Evan Gardner boasts a 6-4-1-0 record between the pipes with. .919 save percentage (SV%), 2.35 goals against average (GAA), and one shutout.
The opposition
Seattle won their last game exactly one week ago 4-3 up north against the Prince George Cougars. 2007-born forward Antonio Martorana leads the team in points with 14 (5G, 9A) in 12 games. Saskatoon’s powerplay could see a good chunk of chances as Seattle owns the most penalty minutes in the league with 245.
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.
