Raiders Season-Opening Point Streak Ends Against the Blades
March 20, 2021 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Prince Albert Raiders News Release
Regina, SK - The Prince Albert Raiders (2-1-0-1) had their three-game, season-opening point streak snapped in a 3-1 loss against the Saskatoon Blades (3-0-1-0) on Friday night in the Subway Hub Centre at the Brandt Centre in Regina.
Eric Pearce scored the lone goal in the Raiders' loss, finding the back of the net for the second time in as many games.
Max Paddock was called upon early. Off the opening faceoff, Caiden Daley was sprung on a breakaway. The Brandon, MB product was up to the task and grabbed it with his glove.
The Blades opened the scoring 3:54 into the contest. Chase Wouters drew attention at the halfboard but found Daley alone in front of the goal. Daley was able to beat Paddock to put the Blades up 1-0.
Near the end of the first period, the Raiders drew even. Reece Vitelli circled the zone until he passed to Nolan Allan at the point. The 'B'-rated prospect for the 2021 NHL Draft put a shot on goal that was blocked in front. Pearce was able to stay with the puck, get it to his backhand, and lift it over Nolan Maier for the Regina product's second of the season.
The Blades regained their lead in a penalty-filled second period. While playing four-on-four midway through the middle frame, Tristen Robins set up Aidan De La Gorgendiere on a two-on-one rush. The defenceman snapped it past a sprawling Paddock to put the Raiders behind 2-1.
On another segment of four-on-four hockey, the Blades increased their lead. Rhett Rhinehart circled the zone with Justin Nachbaur giving chase. Nachbaur was picked by Chase McLeod, freeing up Rhinehart who walked into a shot that beat Paddock, making it a 3-1 game in favour of the Blades after two periods.
The Raiders pressured for the equalizer throughout the third period. One of their better chances came off the rush. Michael Horon's shot was stopped by Maier, but the rebound found the stick of Landon Kosior. The Regina product turned it right back towards goal, however Maier slid over to make the save.
Late in the period, the Raiders pulled Paddock for the extra attacker. During that time, the Raiders drew two penalties to get a three-man advantage. However, the Raiders weren't able to draw any closer on the scoresheet.
Paddock finished the game with 20 saves to pick up his first loss of the season. Maier stopped 17 shots in the Blades' net for the win.
The Raiders are back in action in the Subway Hub Centre on Sunday afternoon when they take on the Winnipeg ICE (3-1-0-0). Puck drop is 8 p.m. Catch the game on WHL Live on CHL TV.
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