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After two straight scoreless games, the Saskatoon Blades offense came alive.
Led by a Jesse Shynkaruk hat-trick, the Blades came away 5-4 overtime winners against the Calgary Hitmen, including the OT winner.
“I’m just happy to get the two points,” said Shynkaruk postgame.
“There was no quit in our game tonight, everyone was chipping in and we got the result.”
Goals were flowing in the first period with Calgary heading into the break up 3-2. Shynkaruk’s first of the night (14) was followed up by Gage Ramsay (5) for Saskatoon.
The offense continued for both teams in the second period. Braylon Shmyr (22) and Shynkaruk’s second (15) put the Blades ahead briefly before a late Calgary goal to head to the third tied at 4-4.
That score would hold in a sloppy period for both sides, sending the even contest to overtime. The Blades caught a break when Chase Wouters was hooked early in the extra frame, setting up a 4-on-3 Saskatoon powerplay.
Bryton Sayers slapped a point shot off the back boards, which slid perfectly onto the stick of Shynkaruk, who shot the puck into the open net for the game-winner.
“There was a bit of confusion and we just got a lucky one that bounced into the net,” Shynkaruk said.
The win had some extra meaning for Blades assistant coach Ryan Keller, who served as bench boss in the absence of head coach Dean Brockman.
“I wouldn’t say I was calling the shots but we wanted to make it as comfortable as possible,” Keller said. “It was stressful and fun all at the same time.”
Logan Flodell made 19 saves in the win.
The Blades are at home for the next four games, starting Saturday night when they host Red Deer at SaskTel Centre.
