WHL Playoffs Top Performer: May 10, 2024
Portland, Ore.- Matthew Savoie has unfinished business.
A late, clutch goal by the Moose Jaw centre sealed a narrow win for the Warriors in Game 1 of the 2024 WHL Championship presented by Nutrien.
Beyond snagging an all-important road win against the Western Conference-winning Portland Winterhawks, it’s also the franchise’s first-ever victory in the Championship series.
It’s Savoie’s second trip to the big dance after falling just short of the WHL’s ultimate prize with the Winnipeg ICE in 2023.
The Warriors jumped out to a 2-0 lead after Atley Calvert and Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Denton Mateychuk quieted a raucous crowd at Portland’s Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
But key goals from 2024 NHL Draft-eligible Diego Buttazzoni and Hawks Captain Gabe Klassen seemed to turn the tide- and with the clock ticking down, it seemed yet another postseason game was destined for overtime.
Savoie had other plans.
In the Websters dictionary “Matthew Savoie” translates to “Mr. Clutch”
Probably. #WHLChampionship | #FeedingTheFuture
— Moose Jaw Warriors (@MJWARRIORS) May 11, 2024
Calvert found Savoie with a sharp play off the half-wall, where the 5-foot-10 centreman ripped the puck past Jan Spunar to restore the Warriors lead.
Savoie has racked up nine goals and 12 assists for 21 points in 16 games, ranking fifth in postseason points and goals.
The Buffalo Sabres prospect has only been held off the scoresheet once in the 2024 WHL playoffs.
The St. Albert, Alta. product has never dipped below a point-per-game average in the postseason, with 26 goals, 36 assists and 61 points over 46 playoff contests.
Savoie and the Warriors will try to extend their series lead in Game 2 on Saturday, May 11 at 7:00 p.m. PST.
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