Raiders Dealt First Regulation Loss In Two Months
Saskatoon, SK – For the first time since October 6, the Prince Albert Raiders (28-2-0-1) lost a game in regulation.
On Sunday, the Raiders were shut out 1-0 by the Saskatoon Blades (19-10-3-0) at SaskTel Centre.
The game snapped Brett Leason’s season-long, 30-game point streak that put him at the top of the WHL scoring race with 64 points so far. It was Leason and Ian’s Scott final game with the Raiders before departing for Team Canada’s selection camp for the 2019 World Junior Hockey Championship.
In the first, a parade of penalties gave the Raiders four power-play opportunities. However, the Blades penalty killers kept the Raiders’ power play at bay.
The Blades got the game’s lone goal five minutes into the second period. Tristen Robins skated down the left wing, looked off a teammate, and snapped a shot over Ian Scott to put his side ahead and let the crowd throw their teddy bears on the ice.
The Raiders’ best chance in the second period came on a Noah Gregor rush into the offensive zone. He spun around and hit Justin Nachbaur in the slot with a pass but was denied by Nolan Maier.
After killing off an early five-on-three opportunity for the Blades in the third period, the Raiders turned up the pressure. Leason had a great chance from the slot, but his shot was kicked aside by Maier.
With the extra attacker out, the Raiders put six forwards on the ice. The group put together a flurry of chances but were unable to solve the Blades goaltender.
Maier finished the game with 32 saves for his second shutout of the year. Scott stopped 26 shots in the loss.
The Raiders are back at home on Wednesday night when Edmonton Oil Kings (16-11-3-2) make their first trip to Prince Albert this year on Santa Anonymous Night. Fans are asked to bring unwrapped toys for donation to the Salvation Army through the Optimist Club of Prince Albert. Head to raiderhockey.com and the Raider Office to pick up tickets.
Half-season tickets are now available for a limited time. Stop by the Raider Office for more information. The packages are only available until Sunday, December 30.
