GAME 61 PREVIEW | Blades with chance to clinch 2025 playoff berth
WHL REGULAR SEASON | GAME 61 | Saskatoon Blades (32-21-3-4) vs Prince Albert Raiders (34-21-5-1)
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Tonight
The Saskatoon Blades (32-21-3-4) have a chance to punch their ticket to the 2025 WHL playoffs tonight when they welcome the Prince Albert Raiders (34-21-5-1) to SaskTel Centre. If the Blades manage one point in any capacity, the Bridge City Bunch with clinch a postseason berth for a sixth consecutive season.
Two points in regulation are at the top of mind for the Blades who look to close the gap between them and the East Division’s top Raiders. Saskatoon sits in third place with 71 points, two back of the second-place Brandon Wheat Kings and three back of the Raiders.
Tonight is the second half of a weekend home-and-home series between the Highway 11 rivals. The Blades collected a big two points last night at the Art Hauser Centre after a 3-2 in regulation. If the playoffs were to start today, these two would collide in Round 1.
Who to Watch
Rookie defenceman Brayden Klimpke has an assist in four straight games. The Calgary, AB native is third in points among Blades defenceman this season with two goals and 19 assists in 51 games.
Goaltender Evan Gardner reminded everyone why the Columbus Blue Jackets drafted him in the second round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. The Fort St. John, BC native picked up his 19th win of the season after stopping 41 of 43 Raider shots last night. Gardner’s .908 save percentage is tied for fourth best in the WHL despite missing more than a month of action prior to Wednesday with a lower-body injury.
Calgary Flames draft pick Hunter Laing was named first star in yesterday’s win after two goals, including the game-winner, and an assist. The 6-foot-6 winger became the second Blade to crack 20+ goals this season alongside alternate captain Rowan Calvert. Laing has 21 goals and 17 assists for 38 points in 56 games this season.
Our game day 50/50 is live! You can skip the line at the game and purchase your ticket online from anywhere in Saskatchewan. Give yourself a chance to walk home with some serious cash!
