2024 WHL Playoffs Daily Recap: April 5
Two more teams punched their tickets to the second round of the 2024 WHL Playoffs on Friday.
Photo by Gabe Neumann - 2024 WHL Playoffs Daily Recap: April 5Friday night featured four games in the 2024 WHL Playoffs, with two more teams advancing to the second round. Both advanced teams were from the Eastern Conference, meaning the second-round matchups in the East are now set. Here is a look at the four games from April 5.
Saskatoon Blades 6, Prince Albert Raiders 2
Series: Saskatoon Wins 4-1
The Saskatoon Blades closed out their first-round series with a commanding 6-2 victory over the Prince Albert Raiders. Six different Saskatoon players had a goal and an assist, including Alexander Suzdalev, whose first-period goal stood up as the series winner. The Blades will now have a week to get ready for their second-round matchup against the Red Deer Rebels, with Game 1 scheduled for April 12 in Saskatoon.
Red Deer Rebels 5, Medicine Hat Tigers 2
Series: Red Deer Wins 4-1
Red Deer built up a five-goal lead and never looked back as they closed out their first-round series with a 5-2 victory over the Medicine Hat Tigers. Frantisek Formanek scored the series winner while Chase Wutzke was fantastic in net, stopping 36 of 38 shots. The Rebels now turn their focus to the Blades and will try to exact some revenge after being reverse swept by Saskatoon in last year's playoffs.
Wenatchee Wild 5, Kelowna Rockets 4 (OT)
Series: Kelowna Leads 3-2
Steven Arp was the hero for the Wenatchee Wild as they stave off elimination, defeating the Kelowna Rockets 5-4. Arp's first career playoff overtime goal could not have come at a better time, as he scored 54 seconds into overtime to force a Game 6. Wenatchee also received standout performances from Briley Wood and Miles Cooper, who each had three points, while Kelowna was led by captain Gabriel Szturc, who had two goals on the night.
Highlight of the Night: Steven Arp's Overtime Goal Keeps The Wild Alive
Everett Silvertips 4, Vancouver Giants 1
Series: Everett Leads 3-1
The Everett Silvertips power play stayed hot as they cashed in twice with the extra man in a 4-1 win over the Vancouver Giants. Kaden Hammell and Austin Roest both had a goal and an assist in the game, while Jesse Heslop's first of the series served as the game-winner. As for the Giants, they once again received a standout performance from Brett Mirwald, who made 53 saves for the second time this series.
Game Schedule For Apr. 7, 2024:
Wenatchee Wild @ Kelowna Rockets, 2:05 pm PT
Vancouver Giants @ Everett Silvertips 4:05 pm PT
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