CLARKWATCH: Follow news and updates regarding sanctions on Mayor Clark.

Quenneville slaps home two as Tigers claw up Blades 7-2

Nov 3, 2017 | 9:44 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — David Quenneville’s trademark slapshot came in handy Friday night.

The Islanders prospect clapped home a pair, Tyler Preziuso and Linus Nassen locked in three-point nights, and the Medicine Hat Tigers returned to the win column with a decisive 7-2 victory over the Saskatoon Blades.

Following six days between contests, the Tigers appeared fresh and rejuvenated after surrendering a combined 13 goals in two games the previous weekend. Head coach & GM Shaun Clouston preached prior to the contest that a week’s worth of practice retooled nearly every area of the ice. Most of the focus come on defensive zone coverage.

His message was heard loud and clear by his players, surrendering just 22 shots, four of which in the second period, while peppering Blades netminder Ryan Kubic with 40 shots.

The Tigers have beaten Saskatoon in all three games this season, scoring a combined 18 goals. The result also knocks the Blades off a three game winning streak, which included an overtime win in Lethbridge on Wednesday. 

Despite Saskatoon opening the scoring with Josh Paterson’s fourth of the year, goals by Gary Haden and Prezuiso earned the Tigers the twenty minute advantage at 2-1.

The Blades began unravelling in the middle frame, taking three straight penalties in the opening six minutes. The Tigers, who went 5/7 on the man advantage the last time they battled Saskatoon, failed on their first two opportunities, but Quenneville rocketed a one-timer home on the third chance to increase their lead at 3-1.

Forward Max Gerlach, wearing a full-cage after undergoing mouth/dental work which caused him to miss six games, nabbed an apple on Quenny’s marker — his first point since returning to the lineup last Friday.

Crossing the midway mark, the defenceman connected for his second of the night, set up by fellow d-partner Linus Nassen. With under two minutes left in the period, Preziuso set up Ryan Chyzowski with a no-look, cross-crease pass to make it 5-1.

Jimmy Hamblin and Dylan MacPherson continued the scoring trend in the third period. Cameron Hebig secured his team-leading 13th marker on the powerplay with 11:46 to go, but hardly made a dent in a night ruled by Medicine Hat.

Jordan Hollett let two slip by for a 20 save performance.

The Tigers improve their record to 9-6-0-0 and regain first place in the Central Division standings by a single point over Kootenay and Red Deer. They return to action Saturday night, hosting the reigning WHL Champion Seattle Thunderbirds at the Canalta Centre (7:30 p.m.).