Blades need ‘consistent work ethic’
The Saskatoon Blades (6-6-0-2) continue their road swing against the Red Deer Rebels (6-7-0-0) on Friday.
An 8-5 loss in Lethbridge last Saturday ended a streak of earning at least a point in eight-straight games.
That streak, which came after five consecutive losses to begin the WHL season, has Saskatoon hovering at the bottom of the playoff bubble in the Eastern Conference.
In the East Division, the Blades are tied with Regina and Brandon with 14 points, three back of leaders Prince Albert.
Swift Current and Moose Jaw are just a point behind entering play Thursday.
So the Blades are determined to get back on track.
“We need to get back to our game, our consistent work ethic,” head coach Dave Struch said. “We struggled a bit through 40 minutes against Lethbridge. We need to get back to what’s made us successful through the previous eight games.”
Here’s what else to watch for Friday night:
Millette returns to Red Deer
Acquired in an Oct. 10 trade, Cory Millette didn’t have to wait long to face his former team.
The winger spent 106 games with the Rebels (19 goals, 40 points) in two-plus years, but was playing for the SJHL’s Estevan Bruins when the Blades dealt winger Evan Polei to get him.
“Things just didn’t work out there,” Millette said. “I hope I can have a really good game and show that they were wrong by trading me and not really giving me that chance I needed.”
The 5-foot-11, 188-pound forward has two goals and an assist in six games with the Blades. He’s expected to skate with new Blade Chase Clayton (acquired Sunday from Calgary) and Nick Zajac on Friday.
Stovin set for Sutter
Lukas Sutter played 220 games in Saskatoon before being dealt to Red Deer in June.
The over-age centre missed the first Blades-Rebels matchup on Oct. 1 because of a shoulder injury.
He made his return to the lineup last weekend and is expected to play against Saskatoon for the first time.
One Blade, in particular, is eager for puck drop.
“It’s definitely going to be exciting,” veteran winger Brett Stovin said. “Playing with the guy and knowing him so well, being good friends with him, it’s definitely different seeing him in a different uniform.”
Even though Sutter is wearing new colours, Stovin still looks up to his former linemate.
“Last year was my first year playing on the penalty kill and that’s something I take pride in. Lukas is the reason for that,” said Stovin, who has a goal and seven points in 10 games this season. “He was kind of my mentor as a penalty kill partner last year.
“That’s definitely the biggest thing I look up to about him. It’s something I’m still learning and trying to teach the young guys now.”
Blades defence vs.
Rebels offence
The Blades have allowed 54 goals this season, second-most in the WHL behind Lethbridge.
The Rebels have scored 37 goals, tying Moose Jaw and Kootenay for the second-lowest output in the Eastern Conference. Something has to give. “We need to be better defensively,” Struch said. “There are some inconsistencies there. We work on them daily.
“With a young group, our play away from the puck has to be better.”