The Saskatoon Blades advanced to Round 2 of the WHL Playoffs after a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory over the Edmonton Oil Kings in Game 7. This marks a historic win for the Blades, as it is the first time they've won a series-deciding Game 7 on the road. Alternate captain Rowan Calvert became the overtime hero, scoring the decisive goal just over seven minutes into the extra period. The victory was solidified by a game-tying goal from Cooper Williams late in regulation, demonstrating the Blades' resilience and commitment to their game plan.

By the Numbers
  • Saskatoon Blades won Game 7 with a score of 4-3 in overtime.
  • Rowan Calvert scored the overtime goal at 7:23 of the extra period.
  • Cooper Williams scored the game-tying goal with 5:08 remaining in regulation.
  • Evan Gardner improved his postseason record to 4-1-2-0.
Yes, But

The Oil Kings were competitive throughout the series, demonstrating resilience despite the heartbreaking loss in Game 7. Their ability to rally and maintain pressure on the Blades kept the game tight until the final minutes.

State of Play
  • The Blades are set to face the Prince Albert Raiders in Round 2.
  • Historically, the Blades eliminated the Raiders in five games during the 2024 playoffs.
  • The last Round 2 matchup between these teams was a victory for the Raiders in 2019.
What's Next

The Blades will commence their matchup against the Raiders on April 10 at the Art Hauser Centre. Game 4 will take place the following night, while Games 3 and 4 at SaskTel Centre will be on April 14 and 15, respectively.

Bottom Line

The Blades' victory signifies a pivotal shift in their playoff narrative, showcasing their growth and competitive spirit as they prepare for a challenging series against their Highway 11 rivals, the Prince Albert Raiders.