Saskatoon Blades Become First Team To Qualify For The 2024 WHL Playoffs
The Blades are 39-9-2-3 so far this season.
Photo by Sramble Studio/Brandon Wheat Kings - Saskatoon Blades Become First Team To Qualify For The 2024 WHL PlayoffsAfter defeating the Swift Current Broncos 3-2 on Saturday night, the Saskatoon Blades became the first team to qualify for the 2024 WHL playoffs. Saskatoon leads all teams with 83 points and is the only team in the WHL that has yet to lose ten regulation games. A remarkable 23-1-1 at home this season, they should have home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs.
With 15 games remaining, the Blades have a chance to do something they haven't done since 2010-11: win 50 games in a season. It won't be easy, but they have nine home games left, which should help them reach the milestone. A Memorial Cup favourite, Saskatoon will also be looking to reach the WHL Final for the first time since 1993-94.
There are many factors behind the Blades' success this season. From an individual perspective, captain Trevor Wong is already up to 70 assists, while Yegor Sidorov has 42 goals on the campaign. The additions of Fraser Minten and Alexander Suzdalev have been massive, while goaltenders Evan Gardner and Austin Elliott have provided lights-out goaltending throughout the year. Led by head coach Brennan Sonne, who will be in the running for CHL Coach of the Year, it is hard to find holes in this team, which is one of the many reasons why they are the first team in the WHL to clinch a playoff spot.
The 2024 WHL postseason begins on Mar. 29, with the winner advancing to the Memorial Cup in Saginaw, Michigan. The WHL has not won a Memorial Cup since 2014 and will be looking to end the QMJHL's current streak of four straight championships. The Memorial Cup tournament is set to kick off on May 24, with the WHL facing off against the Saginaw Spirit in the tournament's first game.
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