Saskatoon Bounces Back Strong Over Thanksgiving Weekend

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Saskatoon Bounces Back Over Weekend

Associated Press- Saskatoon Sentinel

 

After what some people around the organization would call a "tumultuous slump" over the past week and a half, the Wild finally exorcised some of their recent demons this weekend. Going into the home stretch of the regular season, this weekend was a pivotal one for the Wild. Over the course of the weekend the club posted a 4-2 record to earn 8 out of a possible 12 points. The team's big guns stepped up big time and they finally started getting production out of some of their newer waiver claims. If everyone starts firing on full cylinders, the team could still be dangerous in the playoffs. Let's take a look at how the weekend shaked out..

 

Friday the team edged out a pair of 2-1 overtime victories over Ottawa and Philadelphia respectively. In the opener versus the Lynx, superstar winger Florent Verciel carried the team offensively scoring both markers. Meanwhile between the pipes the Wild's reliable netminder Cal Conway turned away 26 of 27 shots which was good for a .963 save percentage. In the second game of the night it was Brian Strong Jr who played the role as hero. At 2:15 in overtime Dale Miller sprung Strong Jr on a breakaway with a beautiful stretch pass and it was academic from there as Strong Jr buried his 51st goal of the year.

 

Saturday saw the team take a 1-1 split. In the first game it was the Las Vegas Aces edging out the Wild by a score of 2-1. This was a super close game that saw Saskatoon outshooting their opponents 32-25. The Wild definitely seemed to be in control most of the game, dictating the pace and also leading in puck possession. However, it was Aces sniper Gary Rush who scored the game deciding marker at 15:56 in the third with just 4 minutes left in the game. In the night cap it was an offensive explosion as Saskatoon dominated the Reapers in a 7-3 shellacking. Florent Verciel continued to stay hot as he led the way with a hat-trick and an assist to boot. Brian Strong Jr added 3 assists and rookie defensemen Scotty Kaberle enjoyed his first multi-point game of his career with a one goal, one assist performance.

 

Sunday saw another 1-1 split starting with Saskatoon sweeping the second game of their home and home by taking another win off Philadelphia by a score of 4-1.  A strong start in the first period really put this one to bed early. The Wild jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first frame with goals by Keller, Nilsson and Verciel (shocking, I know) respectively. Also it is worth noting the Wild's smothering defense was on full display this game, limiting Philly to only 12 shots. Wrapping up the weekend, the Wild took on powerhouse Halifax and came up short in a 3-1 loss. While not the result they had hoped for, the team can hang their heads high with the effort level. Verciel scored the teams only marker to finish his weekend with a total of 6 goals. The Wild poured on the offense, outshooting Halifax 33-27, but 21st netminder Kevin Malone stood on his head turning away 32 of 33 shots for a .970 save percentage. 

 

Despite the loss versus Halifax and getting edged out by the Aces on Friday, the team seemed to have gained their mojo back. Florent Verciel may be the hottest player in the VHLM right now offensively and if he keeps up his pace, the team will be a threat to win every night. The boys will enjoy some turkey and stuffing before heading into Monday's doubleheader versus Vegas and then Mexico City.