WHL Playoffs Top Performer: March 28, 2024

Prince Albert Raiders goaltender Max Hildebrand is the WHL Playoffs Top Performer for Thursday, March 28 after making 41 saves in a 4-3 victory over the rival Saskatoon Blades.

Hildebrand, a 19-year-old product of nearby Martensville, Sask., played a key role as the No. 8-seeded Raiders stunned the Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy-winning Blades on opening night of the 2024 WHL Playoffs, staking out a 1-0 series lead in front of nearly 6,800 fans at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon.

With the Raiders outshot 15-5 in the first period, the 6-foot-1, 188-pound Hildebrand held his team in it, making 14 saves as Saskatoon took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission.

That gave the Raiders the opportunity to turn the tables in the second period, as the visitors carved out a 3-2 advantage through 40 minutes of play.

Hildebrand turned in another 18 saves in the third period as the Raiders hung on for a 4-3 triumph.

On numerous occasions throughout the night, Hildebrand stymied the best and brightest of Saskatoon’s offensive weapons, including an outstanding right pad save on Anaheim Ducks prospect Egor Sidorov in the early moments of the first period.

Hildebrand was named first star of the game for his efforts.

Originally selected by the Raiders in the 13th round (286th overall) of the 2019 WHL Draft, Hildebrand enjoyed a career campaign in 2023-24, going 25-20-2-2 with a 2.88 goals-against average, .907 save percentage and two shutouts.

In 88 career WHL Regular Season appearances, Hildebrand is 36-37-5-2.

Thursday evening represented the fourth WHL Playoff appearance of Hildebrand’s career.

🎥 SAVE OF THE NIGHT 🎥

Max Hildebrand came to play!@RealCdnSS | @PARaidersHockey#SaveoftheNight | #WHLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/vYtxOGc1nS

— The WHL (@TheWHL) March 29, 2024