Just when it seemed most fans were doubting him, Medicine Hat Tigers goaltender Matt Keetley came through with his most clutch performance of the season.

Keetley made 27 saves as the Tigers nabbed a 4-0 victory over the Red Deer Rebels Friday in Game 5 of the Western Hockey League Eastern Conference quarter-final series.

The win gives the Tigers 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series, and they can close it out with a Game 6 victory Sunday in Red Deer.

It was the second time in the playoffs Keetley bounced back from a tough outing. He earned a 5-0 shutout victory in Game 2 after tending goal in a 6-2 loss in Game 1. He also took heat after the Tigers lost Game 4 by a 6-4 count Wednesday in Red Deer.

“(Keetley) showed why he is up for top goalie in the league,” said Tigers left-winger Kevin Undershute, who had a goal and an assist in the win. “He is an unbelievable goalie.

“He works extremely hard on and off the ice. It is just nice for him to get that shutout.”

Elsewhere in WHL playoff action Friday, it was: Swift Current 3, Regina 2; Vancouver 3, Chilliwack 1; Everett 5, Spokane 1; Tri-City 5, Seattle 1.

At Medicine Hat, Alta., Chris Stevens, Kris Russell and Brennan Bosch scored for the Tigers.

Source: www.sportsnet.ca