BLADES DOWN PATS 2-1 IN OT

SASKATOON – The Regina Pats got 37 saves from Spencer Welke in a 2-1 overtime loss in Saskatoon to the Blades on Friday night.

In the first, the Pats came close to the game’s first goal when both Zach Wytinck and Cole Dubinsky hit the post, but it was scoreless after 20 minutes of play. In the second, it stayed tied at zero until with four minutes left in the frame. Colton Dach stole a puck and snapped in a goal from the right point to make it 1-0 Saskatoon and that was the score after two periods. In the third, the Pats tied the game in the final minute with their net empty. Logan Nijhoff finished off his 16th on the back hand with 44 seconds left to force overtime. Regina went to the penalty kill early in the extra period and the Blades would capitalize thanks to Kyle Crnkovic and take the extra point in a 2-1 final.

The Pats were outshot 39-33, the powerplay was oh for three, the penalty kill three for four while Spencer Welke made 37 saves and was named the game’s second star.

The Pats (21-33-5-2) will host a rematch with the Blades on Saturday night at the Brandt Centre at 7 p.m.

(Phil Andrews, ReginaPats.com/Photo: Saskatoon Blades)