In a highly anticipated matchup between the Regina Pats and the Saskatoon Blades, Connor Bedard proved he was a force to be reckoned with. Despite his two goals, the Pats fell to the Blades in a close match. Bedard’s outstanding performance on the ice showcased why he’s considered one of the top prospects in Canadian hockey. In this article, we’ll delve into the game’s highlights and analyze Bedard’s performance.
In a game that took place on April 7th, 2023, the Saskatoon Blades were finally able to secure a victory in the Western Hockey League playoff series against the Regina Pats. Egor Sidorov scored two goals and Trevor Wong had two assists, contributing to the Blades’ 4-2 win, which puts them in a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series. Vaughn Watterodt and Conner Roulette also scored for the Blades, while Connor Bedard scored both goals for the Pats, bringing his series total to nine and ten goals. Although Stanislav Svozil and Alexander Suzdalev had two assists apiece, the Pats trailed behind throughout the game, with the Blades outshooting them 25-16 overall.
Both teams performed well on their power plays, with each finishing 1-for-2. This victory was especially significant for the Blades, as they had lost the first two games of the series in Saskatoon, with scores of 6-1 and 6-5 in overtime, respectively. However, they were able to secure wins in the following two games in Regina, with scores of 4-3 in both games, also in overtime.
Game 6 of the series is set to take place on Saturday in Regina. In other WHL playoff news, the Red Deer Rebels secured a 6-5 win over the Calgary Hitmen, allowing them to win their best-of-seven series in five games. The Everett Silvertips also stayed alive in their series against the Portland Winterhawks, winning 5-0, while the Prince George Cougars snapped a 2-2 deadlock to grab a 5-2 victory over the Tri-City Americans, putting them in a 3-2 lead in their series. The Winnipeg ICE, Moose Jaw Warriors, Seattle Thunderbirds, and Kamloops Blazers also all swept their first-round playoff series.
Despite the loss, there were flashes of brilliance from Connor Bedard that gave Regina Pats fans something to cheer about. The 15-year-old phenom showed why he’s considered one of the top prospects in the game, scoring two impressive goals and showcasing his skill and speed on the ice. While the Saskatoon Blades ultimately came out on top, Bedard’s performance was a reminder that the future of hockey is in good hands. We can only imagine what he’ll accomplish in the years to come as he continues to hone his craft and develop his game. Until then, we’ll eagerly await the next opportunity to see him in action.
