Game Preview: Game 67 vs Saskatoon
SETTING IT UP:
It’s the final home game of the regular season tonight for the Raiders, as they welcome the Saskatoon Blades to the Art Hauser Centre to kick off a home and home series. Prince Albert picked up two huge points on Wednesday night in a 5-1 win over the visiting Regina Pats, bringing them closer to clinching a playoff spot. The job isn’t finished yet, however, as the Raiders still have work to do to put an ‘x’ beside their name.
THE STANDINGS RACE:
One point. That’s all the Raiders need to clinch a playoff spot this weekend. Or, if the Hitmen lose a single game this weekend, Prince Albert will have their ticket punched to the postseason. Entering tonight’s action, the Raiders have a four point cushion over the Hitmen for the eighth and final playoff spot. Worst case scenario, if the Raiders lose both games this weekend in regulation, and Calgary wins both of theirs, a tie breaker game would be played at the Art Hauser Centre next week to determine which team would take the final playoff spot.
MILESTONE WATCH:
A three point night from Ryder Ritchie on Wednesday brought the 17-year-old winger one point away from 100 in his WHL career. Ritchie scored a goal and added two assists as part of the 5-1 win over the Pats.
Niall Crocker is just two points shy of 100 in his WHL career, sitting at 98 career points in 219 games.
TALE OF THE TAPE:
Raiders Season Stats |
Goals For: 214 |
Goals Against: 211 |
Shots For: 2,097 |
Shots Against: 2,105 |
Powerplay: 60/252 (23.8%) |
Penalty Kill: 191/241 (79.3%) |
UP NEXT:
The Raiders wrap up their regular season schedule tomorrow night in Saskatoon.