The Saskatoon Blades look poised for another deep playoff run after a strong start to the season.
Few teams have looked better this season than the Saskatoon Blades. Last year's East Final runner-ups have eight wins in their first 11 games and were ranked third in the lasted CHL Top-10 rankings. From their strong offensive playoff to their stifling defence, they are the early front runners to represent the East in the WHL Final this season.
The main reason for the Blades' early season success has been goaltender Austin Elliott. The 19-year-old has allowed just 11 goals over his first seven games and sits second in the WHL with a goals-against average of 1.54. While he may not be the busiest goaltender in the league, he makes saves at key moments and was a crucial part of the team's most recent six-game winning streak.
The penalty kill has also been very impressive to start the season for Saskatoon. They have gone 30 for 34 while shorthanded and are one of three teams in the league with a penalty kill over 88%. Where they have thrived the most, however, is at home, where they have held opponents to one goal on 17 power play attempts. If they can continue to execute on the penalty kill as they have through the first month of the season, they should remain not just one of the top teams in the WHL but also in the CHL.
Jumping over to the offence, the Blades' stars continue to step up night after night. Anaheim Ducks prospect Egor Sidorov is up to 13 points and has produced a point in all eight games he's played, while captain Trevor Wong is one of the highest-performing overagers with 15 points in 11 games. Add in Toronto Maple Leafs' Brandon Lisowsky and Nashville Predators' Tanner Molendyk, who are both up to 13 points, and one could see just how strong Saskatoon's top players have been to start the season.
What makes the Blades such a strong team is that everyone has bought into head coach Brennan Sonne's system. Players are just as focused while playing defensive as they are in the offensive zone, which has led to them allowing just 22 goals through their first 11 games. While it may be early in the season, it is easy to see why they are considered one of the best teams in the WHL.