SASKATOON — The fervour of game one of the WHL’s Eastern Conference Final electrified the 8,973 fans at Saskatoon’s SaskTel Centre on Friday night. However, the majority left disappointed as the visiting Moose Jaw Warriors orchestrated a thrilling come-from-behind 4-3 overtime victory.
The Saskatoon Blades set the tone early, opening the scoring for the 10th consecutive time in as many post-season games. Defenceman Charlie Wright's precision shot found its way through a maze of Warrior defenders, nestling into the net just 3:05 into the first period.
Building on their momentum, the Blades extended their lead when Egor Sidorov unleashed a high-slot wrist shot past Warrior goaltender Jackson Unger, merely 1:59 into the second period. Yet, before the cheers could fully subside, Moose Jaw's Brayden Schuurman swiftly responded, slashing the lead in half just 14 seconds later.
As the second period progressed, the Warriors leveled the score at 2-2 with a crafty tip-in by Atley Calvert in front of the Blades' net. The tension escalated further in the third period when, at the 15:08 mark, Matthew Savoie of Moose Jaw capitalized on an opportunity, sliding the puck past Blades goaltender Evan Gardiner to give the Warriors their first lead of the game, 3-2.
However, the resilient home team refused to concede defeat. With just 1:27 remaining in regulation and the Blades' net empty, Egor Sidorov struck again, notching his second goal of the game to knot the score at 3-3, sending the game into overtime.
In the nail-biting extra period, Saskatoon native Braden Yager seized the moment, finding an opening in the Blades' defence and burying the game-winning goal at the 12:34 mark, clinching a 4-3 victory for the Moose Jaw Warriors.
As the teams prepare for game two of the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Final on Saturday night at Saskatoon's SaskTel Centre, several noteworthy statistics and anecdotes emerge:
QUICK HITTERS:
Moose Jaw defenceman Denton Mateychuk, a first-round draft pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets, showcased his playmaking prowess with two assists in the victory. He leads the WHL in post-season points with 21.
The Blades Egor Sidorov, an Anaheim Ducks draft pick, displayed his scoring prowess with two goals in the loss. He has eight goals in his last three playoff games.
Moose Jaw remains undefeated on the road in the WHL playoffs, boasting a flawless 5-0 record.
Saskatoon on home ice is now 4-2 in playoff games at SaskTel Centre this season.
Braden Yager's pivotal overtime goal not only secured the win for Moose Jaw but also adds a poignant touch, as his grandfather, Trevor, dedicated over a decade to volunteering as a Saskatoon Blades' game day video operator.
Moose Jaw maintains a perfect 2-0 record in overtime during the post-season.
Saskatoon falls to 2-1 in overtime in the playoffs.
Saskatoon Blade forward Easton Armstrong missed the game sitting out the third game of his four-game suspension.
THE GAME SHEET:
Moose Jaw Warriors 4 (OT) at Saskatoon Blades 3 - Status: Final OT
Friday, April 26, 2024 - SaskTel Centre - Saskatoon, SK
Moose Jaw 0 2 1 1 - 4
Saskatoon 1 1 1 0 - 3
1st Period-1, Saskatoon, Wright 3 (Lisowsky, Watterodt), 3:05. Penalties - Vojtech Port, MJ (high sticking), 7:33.
2nd Period-2, Saskatoon, Sidorov 11 (Suzdalev, Siepmann), 1:59. 3, Moose Jaw, Schuurman 3 (Kovacevic, Mateychuk), 2:13. 4, Moose Jaw, Calvert 4 (Savoie, Mateychuk), 8:04. Penalties - No Penalties
3rd Period-5, Moose Jaw, Savoie 8 (McKenzie, Calvert), 15:08. 6, Saskatoon, Sidorov 12 (Molendyk, Wong), 18:33. Penalties - No Penalties
OT Period-7, Moose Jaw, Yager 8 (Firkus, Rysavy), 12:34. Penalties - No Penalties
Shots on Goal-Moose Jaw 7-6-9-4-26. Saskatoon 16-7-5-3-31.
Power Play Opportunities - Moose Jaw 0 / 0; Saskatoon 0 / 1.
Goalies - Moose Jaw, Unger (31 shots-28 saves). Saskatoon, Gardner (26 shots-22 saves).
A-8,973
Referees-Mike Campbell (89), Ward Pateman (124).
Linesmen-Sean Dufour (50), T
