RECAP: Hildebrand, Raiders hold Hawks in tight 2-1 contest
Nick Johnson’s second-period strike highlighted Portland’s return to home ice, but it was Prince Albert taking two points in a tense 2-1 contest on Friday.
Game #18: Portland (1) vs. Prince Albert (2)
SOG: POR (38) – PA (27)
PP: POR (0/4) – PA (0/3)
Saves: Špunar (25/27) – Hildebrand (37/38)
COMPLETE BOX SCORE
SCORING:
- PA – 4:06 – First Period – Oli Chenier (2)
- POR – 8:20 – Second Period – Nick Johnson (5) from Marcus Nguyen and Jack O’Brien
- PA – 11:00 – Second Period – Krzysztof Macias (10) from Niall Crocker and Justice Christensen
The Story:
The Winterhawks returned to home ice in front of a packed VMC, but Prince Albert netminder Max Hildebrand stole the show with 37 saves in a 2-1 Raiders win on Friday night.
A penalty-filled first period led to a 1-0 Prince Albert lead on Oli Chenier’s second of the season at 4:06 of the frame. The Raiders held that lead through the opening moments of the second until Portland’s Nick Johnson struck on the rush just shy of the midway point. The second-year sniper finished off a chain of passes from Jack O’Brien and Marcus Nguyen with a quick wrister off the left post to tie the game, but the Raiders returned fire and found twine three minutes later as Krzysztof Macias made it 2-1 in favor of the visitors heading into the third.
Portland pushed late and hit iron multiple times in the third, but couldn’t crack Hildebrand for the tying tally in the third. Jan Špunar, impressive in his own right, posted 25 saves for the Winterhawks.
The Hawks are back in action this Sunday against the Everett Silvertips for Hawks Fight Hunger Night. Puck drop is set for 5:00 P.M. for that U.S. Division clash.
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