Game Preview: March 8 @ Edmonton
SETTING IT UP:
The Prince Albert Raiders (46-10-5-1) wrap up a three in three weekend this afternoon in Edmonton as they take on the Oil Kings (45-10-5-3). The Raiders dropped a 3-1 decision to the Red Deer Rebels last night, blowing a 1-0 lead late in the third period. Justice Christensen scored the lone Raider goal, striking on the powerplay in the third period. Steele Bass stopped 18 of 20 shots in the setback, with Red Deer’s third goal being scored into an empty net.
THE RACE FOR THE TOP SEED:
The East Division title is already clinched for a second straight season, but the Raiders’ battle for first place in the Eastern Conference is heating up. The Raiders are tied with the Medicine Hat Tigers for first place at 98 points.
Raiders schedule: @ EDM, vs MJ, @ REG, vs REG, vs SAS, @ SAS
Tigers schedule: vs REG, @ LET, vs LET, @ RD, vs RD
MONKEY OFF HIS BACK:
For the first time since January 23rd, Max Heise found the back of the net. He scored Prince Albert’s second goal in the second period last night in Calgary, which stood as the game winning goal. Despite the long goal-less drought, Heise still sits fourth in team scoring with 25 goals this season.
SIVERTSON SHINING IN ROOKIE YEAR:
Jonah Sivertson is enjoying a stellar rookie season, and is on pace for something that hasn’t been done in Raiders history in nearly 20 years. He could finish the season with the most goals by a Raider rookie since the 2006-07 campaign. While his 21 goals are still 16 back of tying Matt Robertson’s mark in the 2006-07 season, Sivertson could surpass names like Krzysztof Macias and Ilya Usau, and he’s currently tied with Leon Draisaitl’s 21 tallies from the 2012-13 season. Todd Fiddler, who had 23 goals as a rookie in 2010-11, is next in sight for Sivertson.
UPCOMING MILESTONES:
Brandon Gorzynski: 2 goals away from 50
Linden Burrett: 2 games away from 100
Justice Christensen: 8 points away from 150
UP NEXT:
The Raiders return home to get ready for a home game on Friday night against the Moose Jaw Warriors.
