WHL Gameday Preview: March 10th, 2019

DUBNetwork Feature Game of the day: Warriors @ Blades 4 PM MST

In an afternoon matinee in Saskatoon the Moose Jaw Warriors will hit the ice in what should be a great first round series between these teams coming up in a couple of weeks. This will be meeting number six between the clubs, Saskatoon being the winner of four of those previous five meetings this season.

Justin Almeida, Mose Jaw Warriors (Photo: Marc Smith/Discover Moose Jaw)

The Moose Jaw Warriors (37-19-6-2) are having yet another great season in terms of record wise, with a full 72 game season, surely the Warriors would be one of those 40 win teams. The 40 win mark is a big one, really separating the good from the great in terms of teams. The Warriors were a much better team last season, winning their division and earning over the century mark in points in the standings. This season has been a bit of a different tale. With younger players stepping up an taking the reigns, it’s been a good transition year for the Warriors who seem to show no signs of letting up as they should be in contention again next season.

In this matchup against the Saskatoon Blades, the Warriors will have to change their game or do something different as they’ve not had great success against one of their southern rivals.

Cyle McNabb (Saskatoon StarPhoenix/Liam Richards)

The Saskatoon Blades (43-14-8-0) will be trying to keep their winning ways and their six game win streak going in another meeting with Moose Jaw. The Blades come into tonight with no movement possible in the standings but this game means much more considering the upcoming playoffs. With a win tonight the Blades could also tie their winning total of 44 from 2012-13 when they loaded up to host the Memorial Cup. Saskatoon also still has a chance to sit 2nd overall in the league in points which could prove to be a big deal come determining home ice advantage if the Prince Albert Raiders are eliminated.

Expected in net:

  • Brodan Salmond (MJ) 2.748 GAA, .904 SV%- The overager allowed four goals in a loss in his last start against the Saskatoon Blades on March 5th.
  • Nolan Maier (SAS) 2.645 GAA, .910 SV%- Has owned the blue paint in his last four starts, going 4-0-0-0 and posting two shutouts in that span.

Other games to look at:

Prince Albert Raiders (52-9-2-2) @ Swift Current Broncos (10-48-4-2)

  • Swift Current on a bit of a curse, coming in with a 0-14-2-1 streak.

Kootenay ICE (12-43-7-3) @ Edmonton Oil Kings (38-18-4-4)

  • Edmonton needing only three wins to clinch the central division.