Game Preview: February 7 @ Lethbridge

Game Preview: February 7 @ Lethbridge

SETTING IT UP:

Prince Albert (27-16-3-1) plays game two of a three game Alberta road swing tonight in Lethbridge as they take on the Hurricanes (30-16-1-1). The Raiders saw their nine game point streak come to an end on Wednesday night, as they fell 3-1 final in Calgary. Lethbridge has been idle since a 4-3 win in Calgary on Sunday. The Hurricanes have won 11 of their last 13 games.

THE MEASURING STICK:

This road trip is one of the toughest weeks of the remaining schedule that the Raiders have this season. All three games are on the road against the only three clubs above them in the overall Eastern Conference standings. Three of Prince Abert’s next four games are against those teams (tonight in Lethbridge, tomorrow in Medicine Hat, & Saturday, February 15 vs Calgary). It’s possible that the Raiders could face one of these teams in the first round of the playoffs as well, as the race for the East Division lead continues to be close as we near the end of the season.

LEAGUE AWARDS:

Two Raiders were named winners of WHL awards this week. Max Hildebrand was named Goalie of the Week after a pair of 31 save performances in 5-2 wins against the Regina Pats and Wenatchee Wild. Meanwhile rookie defenceman Daxon Rudolph was named the WHL’s Rookie of the Month. January was kind to Rudolph, as he recorded 15 points, while at one time holding a 12 game point streak.

APPROACHING MILESTONES:

Oli Chenier: One games away from 100.

Niall Crocker: Four points away from 150.

Aiden Oiring: Five points away from 150.

TALE OF THE TAPE: