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Saskatoon Blades Embrace Underdog Role as Playoffs Approach

With their first playoff series against the Calgary Hitmen in 25 years on the horizon, the Saskatoon Blades are drawing motivation from the realms of hip-hop. They have adopted the title of Kendrick Lamar’s track Not Like Us as their rallying cry for the WHL postseason, embodying the spirit of defiance against skeptics who have doubted their capabilities throughout the season.

“A lot of people had us counted out at the start of the year, and we were just kind of that underdog story,” remarked Blades captain Ben Saunderson. “Every night, we get to embrace that villain role, even on the road. We’re heading into Calgary this weekend to try and steal some points.”

The Blades, initially expected to struggle during the 2024-25 season, have managed to surprise many by seizing the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, falling just one win short of clinching the East Division title.

They will face off against a Hitmen team that also narrowly missed capturing the Central Division championship, finishing the regular season with a 14-point cushion over the Blades’ 82-point total. According to head coach Dan DaSilva, the Blades’ positioning as underdogs is familiar territory for the team this year.

“We are very much aware of our underdog status, and it fuels us,” DaSilva stated. “This group has consistently surpassed expectations, so we anticipate doing the same in the playoffs.”

In recent seasons, the Blades exhibited resilience, reaching the Eastern Conference final twice in a row, including a narrow defeat in Game 7 overtime last year against the now-champion Moose Jaw Warriors. However, this year’s lineup is less seasoned, returning just ten players from the previous playoff roster.

“A lot of guys will be experiencing the playoffs for the first time,” shared veteran forward Tyler Parr. “Being someone who can lead by example and set a strong precedence is crucial for us.”

A key figure for the Blades will be goaltender Evan Gardner, who returns to the net after appearing in 15 playoff games last spring. Having recently signed an NHL entry-level contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Gardner has made a strong recovery from an injury that sidelined him for most of February.

“Coming back and playing as I did is a significant confidence boost,” Gardner commented. “It helps you ease back into the flow of the game, knowing you can perform at your previous level.”

Coach DaSilva expressed relief at having Gardner back, as the goaltender’s presence offers assurance to the entire team. “He’s a crucial part of our hockey club,” he said. “Knowing we have a drafted NHL talent in net provides a layer of comfort for our players.”

In contrast, the Hitmen are dealing with uncertainty regarding their own goaltender. Daniel Hauser, who holds the WHL record for all-time wins, is currently nursing an injury and is considered day-to-day as the series approaches.

Regardless of the opposing team’s netminder, DaSilva believes that the Blades will need to adopt a gritty, no-frills approach to secure victories in the playoffs. “We must capitalize on every opportunity,” he emphasized. “Our play is likely to be straightforward and driven by hard work, mirroring what we showcased over the regular season.”

The Hitmen bring significant firepower to the ice, featuring standout players like Tanner Howe, Carson Wetsch, and Oliver Tulk, which poses a major challenge for the youthful Blades roster. However, Gardner noted that the Blades are confident carrying their underdog role, especially against a team that has aggressively built its roster for a deep playoff run. “They made significant moves to contend, but it would be special for us to upset them,” he stated. “Upsets are a part of the playoffs, so why can’t it be us?”

The Blades and Hitmen are set to clash at 7 p.m. on Friday for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference quarter-finals, with Game 2 scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sunday at Scotiabank Saddledome. Meanwhile, the East Division champion Prince Albert Raiders will also launch their playoff series on Friday evening against the Edmonton Oil Kings.

Source
globalnews.ca