WHL Edmonton Oil Kings

Neighbours Scores Shorthanded and in the Shootout to Help Guide Oil Kings Past Raiders

Published on January 11, 2020 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Edmonton Oil Kings News Release


In an ironic and unwelcomed bout of déjà vu, the Edmonton Oil Kings surrendered a last minute goal which forced overtime twice in a span of 24 hours.

Luckily tonight, the outcome was delightfully different as the visitors prevailed with a 3-2 shootout victory over the Prince Albert Raiders in front of 2,763 fans at Art Hauser Centre on Saturday night.

With the win, the Oil Kings (29-7-5-3) claim five of a possible six points on their three-game eastern road trip, and have now registered points in 16 of their last 17 games (14-1-1-1).

The Raiders (22-14-5-2) scored the equalizer with just eight seconds remaining in regulation to send the game to extra time tied 2-2.

Sebastian Cossa (17-3-1-1) got the start in the second of back-to-back games for the Oil Kings and earned the win, making 29 saves on 31 Raiders shots through regulation and overtime, as well as turning aside both shots he faced in the shootout.

Max Paddock (10-13-3-3) made his second appearance in goal for Prince Albert since being acquired by the Regina Pats at the trade deadline and took the loss, allowing two goals on 36 shots in 65 minutes, while surrendering a single goal to Jake Neighbours in the shootout.

In the opening minutes of the first period Vladimir Alistrov was sprung into the Prince Albert zone by rookie Brendan Kuny, fighting off a Raiders defender and burying his 12th of the season to give the Oil Kings a 1-0 lead at 3:22.

But a hair under three minutes later it was again a tie game, as Aliaksei Protas notched his 22nd of the season at 6:21 to send the game into the first intermission tied 1-1.

The second period produced no offence, so the stalemate made its way into the third period where the Raiders earned their lone opportunity with the man advantage of the night just over four minutes in, but it was the Oil Kings who pounced on the opportunity.

Neighbours was launched into the Raiders end after a pass by Jalen Luypen and tallied his 15th of the season - shorthanded - to give Edmonton a 2-1 edge at 5:42.

After the late tying goal by the Raiders with eight seconds left, the game went to overtime, which eventually made way for the shootout.

The Raiders elected to shoot first, sending Aliaksei Protas (X), Ilya Usau (X) and Ozzy Wiesblatt to centre ice; all of who were denied by Cossa.

Dylan Guenther (X) and Jake Neighbours (Goal) went to the line for the Oil Kings.

Prince Albert was 0-for-1 on the power play, while Edmonton was 0-for-1 with the man advantage with a shorthanded goal.

Matthew Robertson (EDM) (3), Sebastian Cossa (EDM) (2), and Max Paddock (PA) (1) were selected as the Three Stars of the Game.

Riley Sawchuk, Matthew Robertson and Ethan Cap each wore an "A" and skated as alternates to captain Scott Atkinson.

The Oil Kings return home to Rogers Place on Friday, January 17 when they host the Raiders for a 7:00 PM MT start.

EOK365 Season Seat Memberships, Five-Star Plans, Flex Packs and single game tickets are available for every Edmonton Oil Kings game this season. Ticket packages start at just $99 per seat, and single game tickets are as low as $20. Call 780-414-GOAL (4625), email sales@oilkings.ca or visit OilKings.ca for more information.

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Western Hockey League Stories from January 11, 2020


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