Raiders Blank Blades in Saskatoon
March 12, 2022 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Prince Albert Raiders News Release
Saskatoon, Sask. - Nolan Allan scored the lone goal of the game and Tikhon Chaika posted his third shutout as the Prince Albert Raiders (23-28-3-1) secured a 1-0 win over the Saskatoon Blades (32-19-3-1) on Saturday at SaskTel Centre.
It was Allan's third game-winning goal and fourth overall tally of the season. Sloan Stanick and Cale Sanders picked up the assists.
In between the pipes, Tikhon Chaika turned aside all 31 shots for his 17th win of the year.
The win extended the Raiders' point streak to five games, including wins in four of those games.
With the win, the Raiders moved into sole possession of eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings with 50 points. They are ahead of the Calgary Hitmen and Regina Pats by two points.
Chaika was tested early and often in the first period. One of his first stops was denying Tristen Robins on a two-on-one rush where the San Jose Sharks prospect looked off Kyle Crnkovic and put a shot on goal. The Belarusian netminder made 16 saves in the opening period.
The Raiders' best chance of the opening 20 minutes came on a four-on-three power play. Evan Herman was given space to load up a wrist shot, but his attempt found the cross bar and stayed out.
It was a similar story in the second period. The two teams traded chances, but both Chaika and Nolan Maier kept their opposition off the scoreboard. The best chance for the Raiders came with about seven minutes to play in the period. With bodies in front of Maier, Landon Kosior's attempt was denied by the right arm of the Blades goaltender.
Chaika was busy again at the start of the third period. He made back-to-back saves on Egor Sidorov and Jayden Wiens at the top of the crease. A few minutes later, he denied a Sidorov breakaway attempt with a poke check.
Allan broke the deadlock with 7:48 to play in the third period, just after a Raiders power play expired. Sanders was able to get the puck behind the net for Stanick. The Rapid City, Man. product fanned on his initial pass before finding Allan in the slot. With no one around him, Allan was able to pick his spot and wire a shot past Maier to put the Raiders ahead.
Late in the third, the Raiders killed of a Blades' power play that saw them pull their goalie for the extra attacker. After killing it off, Evan Herman drew a penalty that sealed the game for the Raiders.
Maier finished the game with 28 saves to pick up the loss.
The Raiders return to action on Wednesday night when they host the Swift Current Broncos at the Art Hauser Centre in a pivotal game in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Puck drop is 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the Raiders Office during working hours and at SaskTix.ca any time.
Western Hockey League Stories from March 12, 2022
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- Hauser Leads ICE to 5-0 Win over Brandon - Winnipeg Ice
- Complete Effort from Pats Leads to Win over Calgary - Regina Pats
- Berezowski Nets 38th Goal, MacInnes Stops 31 in 4-3 Win over Seattle - Everett Silvertips
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- Three-Goal Third Period Charges Warriors Past Hitmen on Friday - Moose Jaw Warriors
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