Game Preview: March 8 @ Saskatoon

Game Preview: March 8 @ Saskatoon

SETTING IT UP:

The Raiders (34-21-5-1) visit the Saskatoon Blades (32-21-3-4) to wrap up a weekend home and home set tonight as SaskTel Centre. The Blades got the upper hand last night, taking a 3-2 win out of the Art Hauser Centre, thanks to a game winning goal from Hunter Laing early in the third period. Aiden Oiring and Evan Smith scored the goals for Prince Albert, while Laing scored twice and Hudson Kibblewhite had the other Saskatoon goal.

EAST DIVISION RACE:

With the Blades picking up two points on the Raiders last night, the race for top spot in the East Division has gotten even closer. Prince Albert sits in first with 74 points, but right behind them are the Brandon Wheat Kings with 73, and close behind in third are the Blades with 71 points. The Swift Current Broncos are still in the picture as well with 66 points. Whoever finishes first in the division is guaranteed home ice in the first round of the playoffs. The Wheat Kings and Broncos both lost on Friday night.

SMITH SNAPS DROUGHT:

Evan Smith’s second period goal put an end to a 13 game goal-less drought, one timing home a pass from Oli Chenier in the slot. Since being acquired from the Red Deer Rebels this season, the 18-year-old has two goals and five assists in 32 games.

UPCOMING MILESTONES:

Brayden Dube: One goal away from 50 career.

Aiden Oiring: One assist from 100 career.

TALE OF THE TAPE:

UP NEXT: The Raiders head to Alberta next week for a three game road trip.