The first day of the 2024 WHL Playoffs featured only one game: the Saskatoon Blades vs. the Prince Albert Raiders.

The 2024 WHL Playoffs kicked off in surprising fashion, as the eighth-seeded Prince Albert Raiders defeated the Saskatoon Blades 4-3 in Game 1. The Blades' loss was only their sixth at home since the start of the season and the first time they have fallen to the Raiders at SaskTel Centre this year. As for Prince Albert, this was their first playoff win since Apr. 27, 2022, when they defeated the Winnipeg ICE 3-1 in Game 4 of the first round. 

Despite a 2-0 deficit midway through the second, the Raiders scored four consecutive goals and held on for the 4-3 win. Max Hildebrand was the story of the game, stopping 41 of the 44 shots he faced, including 18 of 19 in the third period. As for the offensive leaders, Ryder Ritchie led the way for Prince Albert with a goal and an assist, while Egor Sidorov scored twice in the loss. 

Game Schedule For Mar. 29, 2024:

Lethbridge Hurricanes @ Swift Current Broncos, 7:00 pm ST 
Brandon Wheat Kings @ Moose Jaw Warriors, 7:00 pm ST 
Red Deer Rebels @ Medicine Hat Tigers, 7:00 pm MDT 
Prince Albert Raiders @ Saskatoon Blades, 7:00 pm ST 
Spokane Chiefs @ Prince George Cougars, 7:00 pm PDT 
Victoria Royals @ Portland Winterhawks, 7:00 pm PDT 
Kelowna Rockets @ Wenatchee Wild, 7:00 pm PDT 

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