The Regina Pats were defeated by the Saskatoon Blades 3-2 in their final matchup of the regular season on Friday at the Sasktel Centre. As a result, the two teams will now see each other in the playoffs beginning next week.
Saskatoon opened up the scoring late in the opening period when Brandon Lisowsky kicked in the puck past the Pats Drew Sim. Since Lisowsky was outside the crease, the goal was upheld after a short review.
Lisowsky scored the only goal in the second period to extend the Blades 2-0.
Regina battled back in the third period with Tanner Howe scoring a short-handed goal 40 seconds into the period.
Sam Oremba tied the game for the Pats later in the period.
Saskatoon regained the gain the lead after Trevor Wong scored the game winning goal.
With the loss, the Pats will finish in 6th spot in the Eastern Conference, setting themselves up with a first round matchup with the Blades.
Drew Sim made 28 saves in the loss for Regina.
After the game, Assistant Coach Ken Schneider said the last two games against the Blades were a good preview of what is to come in the first round.
“The last couple of games really showcased playoff hockey.”
Tomorrow night, the Pats will finish off their regular season at the Brandt Centre against the Prince Albert Raiders.
Coverage of the game on 620 CKRM begins with the pre-game show 6:35, opening faceoff is 7:00.