Raiders Win Streak Snapped, But Clinch Playoff Spot
Moose Jaw, SK – It was a case of good news and bad news for the Prince Albert Raiders (32-25-9-3) on Tuesday night in Moose Jaw.
On the downside, the Raiders saw their nine-game winning streak snapped in a 2-1 shootout loss to the Moose Jaw Warriors (52-15-1-2) at Mosaic Place.
However, with the Saskatoon Blades losing to the Brandon Wheat Kings, the Raiders clinched a berth in the 2018 WHL Playoffs. The Raiders currently occupy the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. They are five points back of the Brandon Wheat Kings for the top wild card spot with three games to play.
In the first, the Raiders got out to a quick start. Nikita Krivokrasov opened the scoring 3:21 into the contest. The rookie kept on a two-on-one rush and snapped it past Brody Willms.
Scores! @krivokrasov25 keeps on a two-on-one and opens the scoring!
1-0 us. pic.twitter.com/0AjVp3Xvpl
— Prince Albert Raiders (@PARaidersHockey) March 14, 2018
The lead didn’t last long as Vince Loschiavo found a puck at the side of the Raiders’ goal and solved a sprawling Ian Scott 34 seconds after Krivokrasov’s marker.
In the second, Scott thwarted the Warriors’ attack. The Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick turned aside all 13 shots fired his way by Moose Jaw in the period.
While the Raiders fought back offensively in the third, Scott continued to be a major factor. He again put up a perfect period, making another 13 saves. The Raiders had a chance to pull away in the third period when they had 51 seconds of a five-on-three power play. However, they were unable to get set up in the zone and the game headed to overtime.
In the extra frame, the teams traded dangerous chances. Scott made two saves in tight on Josh Brook to preserve the win. At the other end of the ice, Jordy Stallard and Vojtech Budik were unable to beat Willms. The game remained tied after the five-minute period.
In the shootout, Brett Howden and Jayden Halbgewachs found the back of the net. At the other end, Willms stopped Regan Nagy and Parker Kelly to end the game.
Scott stopped 36 shots in total for the Raiders in the loss. Willms made 27 saves in the win for Moose Jaw.
Up next for the Raiders is a trip to Regina on Wednesday to tangle with the Pats. Puck drop at the Brandt Centre is 7 p.m.
The Raiders return home on Friday night for their regular season home finale against the Saskatoon Blades. Game time is 7 p.m. Tickets are available at tickets.raiderhockey.com.
