Cam Tait Recaps Oil Kings and Raiders Game 7
Written By: Cam Tait
Edmonton, Alta. – Game 7 brings all kinds of different opportunities, challenge and luck. Good. Or, bad. And, like in life itself, success is defined on how we deal with the challenges and gifts we are given.
The Edmonton Oil Kings entered Game 7 against the Prince Albert Raiders Tuesday night in Prince Albert and fell 5-0 to end their Western Hockey League season.
The second-place Raiders took the quarter final best-of-seven series 4 games to 3, and punched their ticket to the second round. The Oil Kings head back to Edmonton with “What ifs” in the bus’ rear view mirror, but the words “Why not?” of next year barely fitting in the front windows.
The 5-0 tally did not reflect the lopsided play of the series. On the contrary, the series was even and, aside from Game 7, it was a pleasure to watch. In fact, the Oil Kings were up 3 games to 1.
Unlucky bounces: They’re part of the game and one bounced, unlucky of course, for the Oil Kings as the Raiders opened the scoring. An Aiden Oiring shot went off an Oil King in front of the net, and made its way past Edmonton goaltender guy Ethan Simcoe. 1-0, Raiders. The Raiders then took the first powerplay of the game and had a few good chances. Darn goal posts, if you know what I mean.
Kind of like unlucky bounces right? And, turnovers. The Raiders went up scoring following an Oil King – don’t look now, Grandma – a turnover in the right wing defensive zone. Ty Meunier gobbled up the puck and buried it for his first of the series with a shade over 6-and-a-half minutes to go. 2-0, Raiders. As they have all series long, the Oil Kings shooting gallery on the Raiders, leading the shot clock 13-7 after the first 20 minutes.
Down a pair, one has to seriously wonder if the Oil Kings didn’t pack a blender on the trip, to mix desperation and effort. Edmonton worked hard but couldn’t find the right ingredients for a goal. Even tried a few wrap-around attempts. Couldn’t get it done.
Simcoe, on the other glove, made a key save after a follow-the-bouncing-puck could have bounced – remember, unlucky? – for the Raider’s third goal. Edmonton was given chances – three powerplays over two periods, including a Landen Hansen cross bar click on their third man advantage.
Luckas Dragicevic scored with a minute and a half left. 3-0, Raiders.
Edmonton’s uphill battle proved to be too much in the third period. The Raiders found their game and stride adding a pair of goals.
