GAME 33 PREVIEW | Blades try to close gap on top-seeded Raiders
Key Players, Notable Stats, How to Watch and More
The Saskatoon Blades (17-13-2-0) look for six out of a possible six points in the three-in-three weekend as they welcome the Prince Albert Raiders (20-4-4-0) to SaskTel Centre. Puck drop for our Christmas Game presented by Co-op Saskatoon is 4:00pm.
The Bridge City Bunch erased two one-goal deficits last night on the road against the Moose Jaw Warriors to pick up a 3-2 victory. The comeback win marked the team’s third straight win, outscoring opponents 20-8 in the process. Saskatoon’s first win of the three-in-three stretch came in 8-3 fashion at home on Friday against the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
Tonight is the third of eight meetings between the Highway 11 rivals. These teams haven’t played since opening weekend when the Raiders won 4-2 on opening night, and the Blades responded with a 3-2 overtime win the next evening at SaskTel Centre.
Standings
Rowan Empire
20-year-old forward Rowan Calvert scored his first career hat-trick in last night’s win against Moose Jaw. The alternate captain scored his team-leading eighth powerplay goal and 19th total of the season in the first-star performance. A Moose Jaw, SK native, Calvert has 27 points (19G, 8A) in 32 games this season.
Budder
Rookie goalie Ryley Budd picked up his second win of the season between the pipes last night for Saskatoon. The 17-year-old netminder stopped 27 of 29 shots en route to a 2-0-0-0 record in the WHL. Budd has a 2.00 goals against average and .909 save percentage.
The good guys
Edmonton Oilers draft pick Lewandowski leads the team in points with 32 (8G, 24A) in 28 games. Calvert has the most goals on the team at 19 after six goals across his past three contests. Second-year defenceman Jordan Martin has the best +/- at +7. Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Evan Gardner is 11-7-2-0 record between the pipes with a .892 SV%, 3.07 GAA, and one shutout.
Milestone watch
Tonight is Tyler Parr’s 250th career WHL game
Cooper Williams is two games away from 100 in his WHL career
Evan Gardner is three games away from 100 appearances in his WHL career
Watch and listen
Fans can watch tonight’s game for FREE on Victory+ TV. Coverage begins 15 minutes before puck drop hosted by Tanner Chubey. Click HERE to make your free account today.
