When you are in the Saddledome, you can trust Evan Gardner between the pipes.
When you are in the Saddledome, you can trust Evan Gardner between the pipes.
Yielding his second win in as many nights (and his second in Calgary this season), Gardner’s solid netminding led the Saskatoon Blades to a 3-2 victory over the Hitmen.
After a fast-paced and very even start to the game, Tristen Doyle was able to open the scoring for the game in favour of Saskatoon. The period would continue at the same pace after that goal, with both teams getting a few looks but neither able to beat the goaltenders.
Then, in the second period, a power-play would allow Calder Hamilton to make the score even by scooping up the rebound and sending it into the back of the net over a prostrate Gardner, who had made the initial save but couldn’t get back in position for the second shot. Some time later, Adam Halat was able to score his first-ever WHL goal off a great pass from Jack Kachkowski to put the Blades ahead once more. Calgary was not going to be deterred, however, and a tip-in goal from Ethan Moore would tie up the game once again. Operating like well-oiled machines, both teams continued to generate chances, but Gardner and Eric Tu stood tall, neither allowing any more goals that period.
Reaching the third period tied 2-2, it was Calgary that appeared to be taking control in the game. Even though they did not succumb to the Hitmen’s strong offensive pressure, the Blades were not able to capitalize on any of their offensive-zone time either. So, the game was bound for overtime.
For the overtime period, play began 5-on-3 in favour of the Hitmen. Incredibly, the Blades were able to kill off those penalties, and play would resume 3-on-3. Scooping up a loose puck for a breakaway opportunity about halfway through overtime, Kazden Mathies was able to beat Tu and win the game for Saskatoon, 3-2.
The next game for the Blades is at home on Wednesday, Feb. 25, against the Penticton Vees.