Tanner Molendyk (pictured) staked a claim on being the best defenceman in the Western Hockey League Thursday night, scoring the game-winning goal and adding three assists as the Saskatoon Blades pulled away over the final 30 minutes for a 6-2 triumph in Edmonton over the Oil Kings.
The 19-year-old McBride, B-C, product and first round pick of the Nashville Predators in the 2023 N-H-L Draft snapped a 2-2 tie with 3:29 remaining in the second period. He picked up assists on the first career W-H-L goals for German newcomer David Lewandowski and defensive defenceman Jordan Martin, as well as a helper on Rowan Calvert’s fifth power play goal and eighth overall tally of the season – both team highs. At one point in the second period, the Bridge City Bunch trailed 2-1 to Edmonton, now 3-4-1 for the season, while being out-shot 14-5 – another slow start for the Blue and Gold that they were able to overcome. Blueliner Morgan Tastad became the first Blade to be involved in a fight this season. That, along with a clutch Evan Gardner save off leading Oil Kings’ point-getter Gavin Hodnett on a one-time power play shot in the second frame, with the score tied 2-2, were keys in turning around Saskatoon’s fortunes. Zach Olsen and Brandon Lisowsky also tallied for the Bridge City Bunch, now winners of four straight – improving their overall record to 8-1-1. It was the 10th straight head-to-head win for the Blue and Gold over the Oil Kings and the sixth consecutive triumph over Edmonton at Rogers Place. Gardner made 28 saves as the Blades were out-shot 30-25 while Lisowsky and Calvert added assists to their goals for two-point games each. Centres Ben Riche and Cooper Williams each chipped in with a pair of helpers. Saskatoon finishes up their mini, two-game Central Alberta road trip Saturday night in Red Deer. Following are audio highlights from CJWW’s broadcast, Les Lazaruk’s Post-Game Show interviews with Molendyk and head coach Dan Da Silva plus the official game summary courtesy the W-H-L…..
Saskatoon Blades 6 at Edmonton Oil Kings 2 – Status: Final
Thursday, October 17, 2024 – Rogers Place – Edmonton, AB
Saskatoon 1 2 3 – 6
Edmonton 1 1 0 – 2
1st Period-1, Edmonton, Finnie 1 (Holinka, Hodnett), 4:01 (PP). 2, Saskatoon, Olsen 2 (Calvert), 10:43. Penalties-Molendyk Sas (tripping), 1:35; served by Vlastimil Blazek Sas (too many men), 3:41; Calvert Sas (roughing), 13:49; Sawchyn Edm (high sticking, high sticking), 14:36.
2nd Period-3, Edmonton, Sawchyn 2 (Jecho, Mori), 3:05. 4, Saskatoon, David Lewandowski 1 (Molendyk, Williams), 11:12 (PP). 5, Saskatoon, Molendyk 2 (Klimpke, Lisowsky), 16:31. Penalties-Riche Sas (holding), 0:41; Tastad Sas (major-fighting), 7:38; Miller Edm (major-fighting), 7:38; Fiddler Edm (high sticking), 7:55; MacKenzie Edm (slashing), 10:40; Riche Sas (holding), 13:38; Sawchyn Edm (high sticking, high sticking), 17:00.
3rd Period-6, Saskatoon, Calvert 8 (Riche, Molendyk), 4:39 (PP). 7, Saskatoon, Martin 1 (Molendyk, Williams), 9:30. 8, Saskatoon, Lisowsky 2 (Riche, Saunderson), 11:52. Penalties-Alcos Edm (tripping), 3:33; Saunderson Sas (slashing), 5:27; James Sas (tripping), 12:57; Tetarenko Sas (cross checking), 16:33; Olsen Sas (10-minute misconduct, roughing), 19:26; Finnie Edm (10-minute misconduct, roughing), 19:26; Hanson Edm (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 19:26; Roersma Edm (10-minute misconduct), 19:26.
Shots on Goal-Saskatoon 5-8-12-25. Edmonton 9-7-14-30.
Power Play Opportunities-Saskatoon 2 / 8; Edmonton 1 / 8.
Goalies-Saskatoon, Gardner 4-1-1-0 (30 shots-28 saves). Edmonton, Perry 0-1-0-0 (25 shots-19 saves).
A-4,327
Referees-Brody McGrath (73), Jesse Wood-Schatz (21).
Linesmen-Kristian Brown (147), Scott Kramers (167).
