GAME 49 PREVIEW | Blades eye weekend sweep against CHL’s top Raiders
Key Players, Notable Stats, How to Watch and More
The Saskatoon Blades (25-19-3-1) look for a weekend sweep against the Prince Albert Raiders (36-7-4-0) when they welcome their Highway 11 rival to SaskTel Centre. Tonight’s the second half of a weekend home-and-home series against Prince Albert. Saskatoon blanked the number one ranked team in the CHL 4-0 last night at the Art Hauser Centre. The eight-game season series is tied 2-2, with the Blades outscoring the Raiders 13-11. February is tied with October for the busiest month of the season for Saskatoon with 13 games on the docket.
Standings
Climbing the ranks
Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Evan Gardner claimed sole possession of second place last night on the all-time shutouts list in franchise history. The 19-year-old netminder stopped 29 shots en route to his tenth career WHL shutout and third of the season. Gardner is two shutouts away from tying Nolan Maier for the franchise record at 12. In 36 appearances this season, Gardner has a 19-10-2-1 record, .909 save percentage, and 2.70 goals against average.
Let Lew cook
After ten games without a goal, Edmonton Oilers draft pick David Lewandowski has lit the lamp in three straight games. The 18-year-old winger opened the scoring last night with his 11th goal of the season, tacking on an assist as well. Lewandowski has three goals and two assists on his current three-game point streak. The sophomore WHL winger leads the team in scoring with 11 goals and 33 assists for 44 points in 38 games.
Where there’s a Will, there’s a Hoft
German import winger Dustin Willhoft recorded a career-high three points (1G, 2A) in last night’s win. The rookie forward leads all Blades rookies in scoring with three goals and eight assists for 11 points in 36 games.
The good guys
Lewandowski leads the team in scoring with 11 goals and 33 assists for 44 points in 38 games. Alternate captain Rowan Calvert has the most goals on the team at 23 and a team-leading 12 coming on the man-advantage. Second-year defenceman Jordan Martin has the best +/- at +10. Gardner has a 19-10-2-1 record between the pipes with a .909 SV%, 2.70 GAA, and three shutouts.
Milestone watch
Captain Tyler Parr is five assists away from 100 in his WHL career
Defenceman Tristen Doyle is four points away from 100 in his WHL career
Forward Cooper Williams is three points away from 100 in is 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.
Post game
