Raiders Fall 4-1 in Winnipeg
March 18, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Prince Albert Raiders News Release
The Prince Albert Raiders saw their playoff hopes come to an end on Saturday night, as they dropped a 4-1 decision to the Winnipeg ICE at Wayne Fleming Arena. The loss, combined with a Calgary Hitmen win in Medicine Hat officially eliminated the Raiders from playoff contention.
It was a scoreless opening 20 minutes, despite both teams getting looks on the man advantage. The best chance to open the scoring came on a Raider powerplay late in the first period, but it came on a couple of ICE shorthanded chances. Matthew Savoie was sprung on a breakaway, but Tikhon Chaika made a big glove save on the first round NHL pick.
On the same powerplay, Connor McClennon had a chance to open the scoring as well. Taking a pass in front, McClennon redirected a shot that Chaika was forced to make another glove save on. The ICE led 10-3 in shots after the opening frame, but both teams entered the second period tied at 0-0.
The ICE found the first goal of the contest at the 10:26 mark of the second period, and it came on their third powerplay of the game with Cole Peardon in the penalty box. From the right circle, Savoie sent a pass to the goal line for former Vancouver Giants forward Zack Ostapchuk. Ostapchuk turned and made a move across the crease, beating Chaika to open the scoring with his 27th goal of the season to make it 1-0.
That lead could have been extended, but Chaika stopped eight of nine shots in the middle frame to keep it a 1-0 Winnipeg lead after 40 minutes, stopping 18 of 19 to that point of the contest. At the other end of the ice, Daniel Hauser went flawless after two periods, stopping all 11 shots he faced.
Winnipeg started to run away in the third period, scoring three straight goals to start the final frame. Evan Friesen gave them a 2-0 lead just 3:47 in, while Ben Zloty and Connor McClennon each scored near the midway mark to give the ICE a 4-0 lead.
With 4:28 left, the Raiders got on the board on the powerplay. After a shot hit the post, Carter Anderson shot home his 13th goal of the season moments later, making it a 4-1 game. Prince Albert ran out of time however, as they ICE came away with a 4-1 win on home ice to kick off a weekend back to back against the green and gold.
The Raiders (27-35-3-0) play their final game against Winnipeg tomorrow night. Puck drop is 4pm Sask time.
Western Hockey League Stories from March 18, 2023
- Broncos Down Rebels 3-1 in Hard-Hitting Game - Swift Current Broncos
- Ams Dominate in 8-2 Victory Over Chiefs - Tri-City Americans
- Warriors Battle Hard, But Fall to Pats on Saturday - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Hitmen Blank Tigers 2-0 - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Giants Split Home-and-Home with Everett - Vancouver Giants
- ICE Top Prince Albert, 4-1 - Winnipeg Ice
- Hawks Fight Back But Fall Late on Saturday - Portland Winterhawks
- Chiefs Drop Second in a Row to Rival Americans Saturday - Spokane Chiefs
- Pats Punch Ticket To Playoffs With 7-3 Win Over Warriors - Regina Pats
- Blades Play Spoiler At Home Against The Wheat Kings - Saskatoon Blades
- Oil Kings Fall to 'Canes - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Hawks' Comeback Bid Comes Up Short - Portland Winterhawks
- Hitmen Blank Tigers, 2-0 - Calgary Hitmen
- Wheat Kings Lose 4th Straight; Comeback Falls Short Again - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Raiders Fall 4-1 in Winnipeg - Prince Albert Raiders
- Thomas Mortlock 1938-2023 - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Chiefs Seek Revenge over Rival Americans Saturday Night - Spokane Chiefs
- Ams Host Chiefs at the Toyota Center, Wrapping up Home-And-Home Set - Tri-City Americans
- Chase Wheatcroft Signs Entry Level Contract with Dallas Stars - Prince George Cougars
- Game Day Preview March 18 vs Calgary - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Gameday: Blades vs Wheat Kings at 7:00pm CST - Saskatoon Blades
- Pats Head to Moose Jaw for Rebound Performance - Regina Pats
- Cats Clinch Home Ice with 7-1 Win over Royals - Prince George Cougars
- GAME HUB: Wheat Kings Face Blades in Must Win Game - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Game Day Hub: March 18 vs Seattle - Portland Winterhawks
- Americans Earn 3-1 Victory in Spokane - Tri-City Americans
- T-Birds Approach the Record Book - Seattle Thunderbirds
- Power Play Comes up Short, Chiefs Fall 3-1 in St. Paddy's Battle - Spokane Chiefs
- Broncos Blanked by Rebels 2-0 - Swift Current Broncos
- Krebs' Hat-Trick Third Period Helps Drive Tigers 7-2 Win in Edmonton - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Warriors Score Six Straight, Roll Over Regina On Friday - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Giants Shut Out Silvertips Friday Night At Home - Vancouver Giants
- Royals Open Weekend with Loss to Cougars - Victoria Royals
- Giants Catch Luck of the Irish, Down Tips 3-0 in Langley - Everett Silvertips
- Birds Top Hawks 5-2, Rematch in Portland Tomorrow - Portland Winterhawks
- Rockets Downed by Blazers - Kelowna Rockets
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