WHL roundup: Saunderson plays OT hero as Blades trim Rebels 2-1
By The Canadian Press on April 14, 2024.
SASKATOON – Ben Saunderson’s goal at 17:01 of overtime finally put an end to Chase Wutzke’s goaltending clinic as the Saskatoon Blades edged the visiting Red Deer Rebels 2-1 in Western Hockey League playoff action. Despite outshooting the Rebels 49-25, and 10-5 in overtime, the Blades had all kinds of problems trying to solve Wutzke, who faced 21 shots in the second period alone. Fraser Minten, with an assist from Saunderson, scored a first-period goal for the Blades, who took a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven quarterfinal series. Saskatoon won Friday’s series opener 4-1. Kalan Lind scored a power-play goal at 4:10 of the third period for the Rebels to tie Sunday’s game at the SaskTel Centre. The Rebels went 1-for-4 on the power play, while the Blades were 0-for-6. Game 3 is Tuesday in Red Deer, Alta. POKE CHECKS: The Portland Winterhawks, who lead their best-of-seven quarterfinal series with the Silvertips 2-0, visit Everett, Wash., for Game 3 on Monday night. This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 14, 2024. 9-8
