WHL Morning Skate: April 18, 2025
NEED TO KNOW
– Nashville Predators prospect Tanner Molendyk scored the series-clinching goal for Medicine Hat to sweep Prince Albert
– Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Harrison Meneghin pitched his second shutout of the 2025 WHL Playoffs presented by Nutrien
– Portland and Calgary can seize their first leads in their respective Round Two series with Game 5 wins on Friday night
TOP PERFORMER- APRIL 17
The Captain wasn’t taking any chances. Oasiz Wiesblatt tallied a goal and an assist on the series-winning tally to help his Medicine Hat Tigers become the first team to book their spot in the Conference Championships. The 21-year-old led his team in second-round scoring with three goals and four assists. He’s tied with Washington Capitals prospect Andrew Cristall for first in the WHL playoff goals race with 10 lamp-lighters and sits fourth in points with 19. Next up, the Tigers ‘C’ will try to help his team reach the Championship Series for the first time since winning it all in 2007.
RESULTS
Medicine Hat 3, Prince Albert 0
Medicine Hat wins 4-0
The Central Division-winning Tigers put on a clinic to advance past the second round for the first time since 2014. Smooth-skating Nashville Predators prospect Tanner Molendyk nearly opened the scoring on a slick between-the-legs shot in the first period, but struck for real in the middle frame with a powerplay wrister from the point. With a primary assist on the play, Gavin McKenna’s point streak has reached 49 games. Wiesblatt doubled the lead with a sharp shot from below the faceoff dot, while Florida Panthers prospect Hunter St. Martin stripped the puck away from a Raiders defender and streaked down the ice to bury the final goal of the night. Harrison Meneghin steered aside all 18 shots he faced for his second shutout of the playoffs and graduating Prince Albert star Max Hildebrand went out with a 54-save performance. Medicine Hat awaits the winner of the Calgary/Lethbridge series.
THREE STARS
1- Max Hildebrand, PA
– 54/57 saves
– .947 save percentage
2- Niall Crocker, PA
3- Rilen Kovacevic, PA
– 2 shots
ON TAP
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