Saskatoon Blades blog

To start with a 5-3, then a 4-2, and lastly a 3-1 win.  The pattern?:  Each game the Blades score 1 less, but also allow 1 less.  Almost like they're trading a goal to prevent 1.  Whatever the strange system is, its working.  Saskatoon, despite having 1 of the shortest training camps appears to be one of the most "battle-ready teams"  Their Power-play throughout the 3 games has been a very respectable 5/16, while their PK is also a solid 16/19. While dressing similar lineups against PA and MJ, Saskatoon had a much better lineup on paper VS SC but only won that game 3-1, however they did out-shoot Swift 37-21 while carrying the play and only allowing 2 shots in the 3rd period(a game in which they were protecting the lead)  Koen MacInnes has a solid 2.00 GAA and a .933 save% in the 2 outings.  Other Net minder Luding has a decent .923 save% as well as a 2.00 GAA but has only had 1 start.  I would guess he gets the nod for the next game against ...

Another training camp in the books.  While i think the team looks great there was a very unfortunate moment when 1st round pick Kyle Crnkovic went into the corner board awkwardly, left the game and didnt return.  The Blades have not issued a statement on Crnkovic yet but it looked like a shoulder injury(which can be very time consuming)  Crnkovic was on fire before the injury scoring 6 goals in 2 games.  The young sniper has his name pegged in the lineup as soon as he returns. Kristian Roykas Marthinsen (19, Norway, NHL 7th round Washington)  Is still getting his feet wet and used to the North American quick style of play(smaller rink)  So far he has shown that he can play physical, decent skater(gotta work on the edges) and an absolute bomb of a 1 timer.  I think he will take a few games to get comfortable with the pace but could make his living as a left handed weapon on the powerplay(giving the Blades another option from RW Paterson)  De La G...