Leavitt Machinery Preview – Game 20 vs. Tri-City
RAIDER REVIEW: The Raiders (18-1-0-0) close out their five-game homestand tonight when the Tri-City Americans (12-6-0-0) make their biennial visit to the Art Hauser Centre. In their last game, the Raiders shut down the Medicine Hat Tigers 2-0 on Wednesday night. Brett Leason and Noah Gregor scored the Raiders’ goals in the win. Ian Scott picked up his third shutout of the season, turning aside all 43 shots faced on the evening.
VS. TRI-CITY: This is the only meeting of the year between the Raiders and the Americans. Last season, the Raiders fell 4-1 to the Americans in Kennewick, WA. Parker Kelly scored the lone Raiders goal. The last Raiders’ win over the Americans was on October 14, 2015 in Kennewick, led by a three-assist night from Brendan Guhle. It was on Oct. 5, 2010 that the Raiders last beat Tri-City at the Art Hauser Centre. Jonathan Parker had two goals and two assists in the contest to lead the offence.
VS. US DIVISION: This season, the Raiders are 2-0-0-0 against the US Division, defeating the Everett Silvertips and Spokane Chiefs in October. Last year, the Raiders went 1-4-0-0 as they made their trek through the US Division last November. The lone win came against the Seattle Thunderbirds.
FACING SHOTS: Ian Scott saw a lot of rubber on Wednesday night, making 43 saves to earn his third shutout of the year. That is the most saves in a Raider shutout since Cole Holowenko also stopped 43 shots in a 4-0 win over the Red Deer Rebels on February 24, 2012.
OUTSHOT: Speaking of shots, Wednesday night was just the second time this season the Raiders have been outshot in a game. The only other time the Raiders were outshot was in a 2-1 win over the Red Deer Rebels on Oct. 13, with Red Deer holding a 29-27 advantage on the shot clock. On the season, the Raiders are averaging 36.5 shots per game, while surrendering 26.8.
GREGOR’S GOALS: For the third time in his WHL career, Noah Gregor is riding a four-game goal streak. Over his current streak, the San Jose Sharks prospect has five goals. He also had this streak from Nov. 12-17, 2017 with four goals and Dec. 3-6, 2016 with six.
CENTRAL SCOUTING: Brett Leason and Aliaksei Protas found their way onto NHL Central Scouting’s Players to Watch List for November. The linemates were given a C Rating, which indicates a fourth-to-sixth-round pick in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft. Leason currently leads the team with 18 goals and 23 assists; Protas has four goals and 14 assists. Both players have suited up in all 19 games.
NEXT UP: The Raiders hit the road on Saturday night to face off against the Brandon Wheat Kings (9-4-3-3) at Westoba Place. Game time is 7:30 p.m. The next Raiders’ home game is on Tuesday night when the Lethbridge Hurricanes (8-6-2-2) make their first trip to the Art Hauser Centre this season. Puck drop is 7 p.m. Tickets are available at raiderhockey.com and the Raider Office.