In front of 14,768 people at the SaskTel Centre on Sunday afternoon, the Regina Pats defeated the Saskatoon Blades 4-2. The Pats picked up their second straight win after losing 9-5 to Moose Jaw on Friday night.
After a scoreless first period, Alexander Suzdalev and Tanner Howe would put Regina up on the scoreboard.
In the final 20 minutes, Brandon Liskowsky would cut the Pats lead into one. Brayden Barnett would restore the Regina lead back to two just over three minutes later.
With just over five minutes remaining in the game, Connor Bedard scored his 70th goal of the season.
A late Blades goal would make the final 4-2.
Kelton Pyne made 42 saves to pick up the win for Regina.
Bedard ended the game with a goal and an assist, now pushing his season totals to 70 goals and 71 assists (141 points).
After the game, assistant coach Brad Herauf said the Pats has been happy with his team’s play inside of their zone.
“I like the way we’re playing team defence, we’re keeping things to the outside, our goalies are playing well but our players in front of them are making them easier saves to make. ”
Herauf said it was a collective effort defensively picking up the win on Sunday.
“Tonight we were playing playoff hockey, we’re conscience of the puck in the neutral zone, we’re defending the right way. ”
On Friday, the Pats and Blades will meet once again at the Sasktel Centre.
Both teams have a spot in the postseason and could meet in the first round of the playoffs. Regina’s chances of finishing in 6th increased with Medicine Hat losing to Calgary on Sunday.
The Pats will finish off the regular season on Saturday against the Prince Albert Raiders.
