Pats 4    -  Blades 3

Game Recap

First Period

The Pats started out the contest a little behind the eight-ball.  The Blades took control of the puck possession game and used that to fire eleven shots at Matt Hewitt.  The veteran goaltender stopped all but one challenge, a shot from the point that was tipped by Matej Stransky.  The Pats gained their momentum from the third and fourth lines as they were able to generate some extended offensive zone time.  In contrast to a penalty filled affair last night, there was only Saskatoon  powerplay in the first period.

Second Period

It didn’t take long for the Pats to even the contest up once the puck dropped in the middle frame.  Off an offensive zone draw, Morgan Klimchuk found the puck in the slot and snapped home the Pats first goal of the night.  The Pats penalty kill went to work again and killed off a 5-on-3, pushing their perfect run to nine kills against the Blades.  Matt Hewitt was a big part of keeping the Pats in the game making 28 saves on 29 shots.

Third Period

It took 13:01 for the Pats to get their first shot on goal of the third period.  That would prove troublesome as the Blades snagged a 2-1 lead with only six minutes left, courtesy of Connor Cox.  The Pats would only manage three more shots on goal the rest of the way, but those shots all found the back of the net.  First, it was Chandler Stephenson redirecting a Luke Fenske point shot behind Andrey Makarov.  Then, it was Jack Rodewald fighting his way into a partial breakaway and shoveling the puck behind the Blades netminder.  Morgan Klimchuk sealed the game with an empty netter on the Pats fourth shot of the final period.  Saskatoon made things interesting as Brett Stovin pulled the Blades within one, but Regina held on for the 4-3 win.

For the fourth time in the Pre-Season, the Pats were outshot in the contest.  Tonight’s totals finished up at 41-18 in favour of the Blades.  Matt Hewit made 38 saves to give the Pats a chance to win on the evening.

“We have to start better and going back to puck possession time again… we spent way too much time chasing and not controlling the puck and really getting the one on one battles, making them take the puck off us.” – Pat Conacher on the Pats struggles to generate offence

Next Game – Sat, Sept. 21^st vs. Brandon Wheat Kings (CKRM)

Habitat for Humanity Home Opener presented by Mosaic – Sat, Sept. 22nd