Will Cranley solid as explosive third period leads Blues prospects past Wild 6-2

A year later, Will Cranley can laugh about it now.

Twelve months before Cranleys 26 saves guided the Blues prospects to a 6-2 win over the Wild on Sunday afternoon, he submitted a regrettably memorable performance in last years Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase.

In 2023, Cranley was the goaltender on the receiving end of Connor Bedards hat trick in his first appearance in a Blackhawks jersey, scenery in plenty of highlights that circulated around the NHL last September.

Compared to last year the way I came in, its a little different, and its a little nicer, Cranley said with a laugh.

Hoping just to build on the momentum going into exhibition games here.

On Sunday, Cranley was sturdy in the Blues crease before St.

Louis scored four times in the third period to break open an otherwise close game.

He looked in control.

He didnt allow many rebound chances.

Cranleys lone blemishes were a goal to Minnesotas Gavin Hain in the second period following a Lukas Fischer turnover and a Caedan Bankier power-play goal with 80 seconds left in the blowout.

Overall, my engagement level was good, Cranley said.

I think my game, theres never really a question about the skill there.

Its just an engagement level thing and a mental thing, and tonight, it was there.

While Cranley backstopped the Blues, they received goals from Juraj Pekarcik (two), Zack Bolduc, Adam Jecho, Tanner Dickinson and Marc-Andre Gaudet.

Dalibor Dvorsky had three assists, and Simon Robertsson had two helpers.

The Blues scored all six of their goals against goalie Chase Wutzke, an 18-year-old who was selected by Minnesota in the fifth round of the NHL draft this year.

St.

Louis finished the two-game showcase undefeated after beating the Blackhawks 4-3 in overtime on Friday.

Cranley, a 22-year-old who was originally drafted in the sixth round in 2020, will be battling to find his way to the AHL this season.

While Vadim Zherenko seems cemented as the starter in Springfield, Cranley and Colten Ellis are the options to back him up.

Ellis played 16 games in the AHL down the stretch last season, while Cranley spent the entire year in the ECHL (with Reading and Utah).

No matter where Im playing, I just want to give the team the best chance to win every night, Cranley said.

In the past, consistency has been a little bit of a thing, so I think this year, the biggest thing going forward is just a little bit of consistency.

If I can establish that, I think well be in good shape.

Springfield coach Steve Konowalchuk added: Hes been good for a few days, whether its practice or whatever.

He looks like he can play.

Short sample size, but he was certainly steady out there and made the saves he needed to.

Good game for him.

Cranley hopes Sundays game can help him transition better than last years showing against Chicago did.

In the ECHL last season, Cranley had an .888 save percentage and 3.78 goals against average across 33 games played.

If hes not with the Springfield (Massachusetts) Thunderbirds this season, Cranley could be playing with ECHL affiliate Florida.

This is the first season of St.

Louis and Floridas affiliation agreement.

Thats a good start, Cranley said.

You come into preseason and you put in all the work and you arent 100% sure where you are.

You feel great on the ice, and then you come into this and its a whole different kettle of fish.

Everybodys here to earn a spot.

...

I think its kind of been a good ramp compared to years in the past, where Ive kind of come into rookie camp and it hasnt been great off the start and then (try) to build it up.

This year, its been a step in the right direction.

Both of Pekarciks goals came in the explosive third period.

His first came when he whacked home a bouncing puck at the edge of the crease following a forecheck by Robertsson.

His second came when he was camped at the net front and deflected Matthew Mayichs point shot that was also previously deflected by Dvorsky.

Dvorsky and Pekarcik combined for five points on Sunday after they were held off the scoresheet on Friday against Chicago.

He was really more relaxed out there, Pekarcik said of Dvorsky.

We went yesterday to dinner and a little talk together.

It was really good for us and felt really good tonight.

Robertsson finished the weekend with three points, including the overtime winner on Friday night against Chicago.

He was arguably the Blues most consistent and effective player in the two games.

Really good, really good, Konowalchuk said.

He looks like a guy who would just be fun to play with.

He knows how to play the game, doesnt complicate the game.

Made a couple elite passes as well, so you can see him make those plays.

Use him in different situations, real solid hockey player.

There were three fights in Sundays game, as Sam Bitten (AHL contract), Quinton Burns (2023 draft pick) and Mayich (2023 draft pick) each picked up fighting majors against Minnesota.

The Blues did not have any fights against the Blackhawks on Friday night..

This article has been shared from the original article on stltoday, here is the link to the original article.