Blades travel to Rexall

I am putting up my game preview a little bit earlier than usual this time around.

The Saskatoon Blades hit the road at noon Wednesday as they travel to Edmonton for a battle with the Oil Kings. The game happens to fall on my days off from my other job so I will be travelling with the team for this one day trek to Alberta. So, I figured I would post this tonight, rather than in the morning.

Anyways, Saskatoon is coming off of a 2-1 shootout win over Moose Jaw on Saturday night. It was a big win for the club as they ran into a hot goalie and were goal starved, one of the few times that has happened this year.

Either way, it was a big win for Saskatoon as they continue to hold off the Red Deer Rebels for the conference and league lead.

Edmonton is also playing some damn good hockey. They have won their last 2 games, including a 7-1 thrashing over Calgary on Monday night on Sportsnet. It was a good example of what this team can do. They can score in bunches, mostly based off of good old hard work and getting to the dirty areas of the ice. The Oil Kings are a fun team to watch, led up front by Dylan Wruck and Michael St. Croix, two draft eligible 17 year olds.

Here are my keys to the game:

For Edmonton

- Continue with the balanced scoring. They had 6 players score in their last game. That type of offense can go a long way, especially against a deep offensive team like the Blades.

- Limit Brayden Schenn’s chances. MJ did a great job shutting him down in the Blades last game…making him work 200 feet of the ice is going to be key.

- And play with that physical edge. Edmonton is a gritty hockey club and they have to play right on that edge tonight without going over it.

For Saskatoon

- Get on the board first. Saskatoon could be gripping the sticks a bit after only scoring 1 regulation goal the last time out. An early goal will ease that pressure.

- Be physical. The Oil Kings are a gritty team, but they aren’t a big team. Make them pay along the boards tonight.

- And Adam Morrison needs to be strong again tonight. He made 33 saves during the last game and 3 more in the shootout as Saskatoon knocked off Moose Jaw. The Blades need that kind of performance again from the 19 year old.


Gametime goes at 7PM local time, 8PM Saskatchewan time from Edmonton. You can check it out starting with the pregame show on 92.9 The Bull, a half an hour before the puck drop.