The WHL is an unpredictable league. In their first 27 games this year, the Saskatoon Blades (11-14-2-1) had given up the most goals at 120. The Portland Winterhawks (20-5-0-1) had scored the third most in the league at 115. Nolan Maier, in just his ninth career start had other things in mind and put together a 48 save performance at the Moda Center on Sunday evening and notched his first career shutout.
The 16-year-old was at his best when he turned away a two-on-one rush in the second period. His Blades did a good job of not allowing the speedy Hawks to get in behind them and, despite the 48 shots.
Portland had not lost in regulation in 13 games and fell in what had the feeling of a trap game. Braylon Shmyr had a four-point night and Josh Paterson and Cam Hebig potted three apiece.
Saskatoon opened the scoring in the second with a controversial goal on the power play. Portland netminder Shane Farkas appeared to cover an attempt in tight on Shmyr, but Paterson dug the puck out and poked it in. The whistle had blown and replay did not conclusively show that the puck had fully crossed the goal line. Portland coach Mike Johnston thus was visibly upset when, after review, the call was overruled and the goal was granted to Paterson.
Controversial first goal in Portland tonight. Ruled on the ice-no goal and the whistle blew. After review it was called a Josh Paterson goal. pic.twitter.com/7cmOjlcrxa
— Brandon Rivers (@hodgesheroes) December 4, 2017
Things would get even more interesting a little later in the second as Mark Rubinchik put a low bridge hit on the legs of Cody Glass. Skyler McKenzie then instigated a fight with Rubinchik and Kieffer Bellows and Chase Wouters also dropped gloves. The Winterhawks faced life without two of their top line as Bellows was ejected, along with Wouters and McKenzie faced 17 penalty minutes.
The Blades took advantage as Shmyr dug the puck out of Farkas’ left pad and tucked home his 14th of the year. The Blades would fire 23 shots on Farkas in the Portland net in the second and they had the Winterhwks on their heels.
Portland recovered and got McKenzie back for the third period. They tested Maier early and often in the frame, but the 16-year-old goalie stood tall, stopping all 18 shots.
Hebig surprised Farkas with a low shot he had trouble tracking in the third and the Blades were up 3-0.
Hebig added another into the empty net to finish out the scoring.
Farkas stopped 38 of 41 shots sent his way in his sixth start this year. This was his second straight 38-save game.
Portland now heads back on the road, as they will play the Vancouver Giants in Langley on Tuesday. The Blades continue their U.S. Division swing with a game in Kent against the Seattle Thunderbirds that same day. Saskatoon is 2-2 so far on the trip.
