Photo: Regina Pats
Going into Game 6 on Saturday night, Washington Capitals prospect Alexander Suzdalev and the Regina Pats trailed 3-2 in their best-of-seven first-round playoff series with the Saskatoon Blades. It was win or go home for Suzdalev and the Pats.
Suzdalev and the Pats answered the bell, taking down the Blades 5-3 on home ice and forcing a decisive game 7 Monday night in Saskatoon. Suzdalev recorded the first two goals for the Pats, giving them an important early lead in game 6.
Suzdalev’s first goal of the game came at 14:53 of the first period, tying the game 1-1. Suzdalev clapped a bomb from a sharp angle low on the right side, beating Saskatoon netminder Ethan Chadwick high-glove side.
SUZZZYYYY 🚨
Alexander Suzdalev ties the game 1-1 late in the 1st period on a one-timer from the bottom of the circle!
There are no tough angles for 91 😏#StandWithUs | #WHLPlayoffs | #FeedingTheFuture | @Capitals pic.twitter.com/G3Dm2ecyck
— Regina Pats (@WHLPats) April 9, 2023
Suzdalev’s scored the next goal of the game as well, coming at 5:04 of the second period, giving the Pats a 2-1 lead. This time Suzdalev would deke and fire a wrister from inside the slot for the tally.
Alexander Two-z-dalev! Alexander Suzdalev with his second goal of the night. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/n94Iaw5cvh
— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) April 9, 2023
Suzdalev was named the third star of the game. The rookie now has three goals and 8 assists in his first six WHL postseason games for a 1.83 points per game average.
Suzdalev led all WHL rookies in goals (38), assists (48), points (86), power play goals (17), and power play assists (19), and tied for first in points per-game (1.30) during the regular season. He is a lock for WHL Rookie of the year, which has yet to be announced.
The Regina Pats named Suzdalev their Nick Pappas Rookie of the Year on Monday. (More here)
By Jon Sorensen