Raiders Shut Out by Blades in Saskatoon
April 9, 2022 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Prince Albert Raiders News Release
Saskatoon, Sask. - The Prince Albert Raiders (26-34-4-1) were shut out 2-0 by the Saskatoon Blades (37-26-3-1) on Friday night at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon.
The loss keeps the Raiders two points back of the Swift Current Broncos for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Broncos dropped a 4-2 game to the Regina Pats in Swift Current. The Raiders also have two games at hand on the Broncos.
Both goalies were perfect in the opening period as each turned aside six shots. The Raiders' best chance of the opening frame came shorthanded. Reece Vitelli was able to get separation from the Blades defence to spring himself on a breakaway. His attempt was turned aside by Nolan Maier.
The teams played to another period without a goal in the middle frame. The Blades outshot the Raiders 10-8 in the middle frame, buoyed by a pair of power plays. Tikhon Chaika and the Raiders were able to kill of both Saskatoon attempts with the man advantage.
The Raiders' best chance of the middle frame came off the stick of Hayden Pakkala. He had a clean look at goal in the slot after a feed from Dallyn Peekeekot behind the net, but Pakkala shot it into the chest of Maier.
Egor Sidorov broke the deadlock with 7:53 to play in the third period on the power play. Vaughn Watterodt put a rebound from the endboards towards the Raiders net. Chaika made the initial save, but the puck stayed in the blue paint. Sidorov was able to get his stick on it to poke it past Chaika to give the Blades the 1-0 lead.
With 1:59 to go in the third, Trevor Wong put Saskatoon up 2-0. His first attempt on goal was stopped by a sprawling Chaika, but the rebound came right back to the Blades' forward. Wong lifted it over Chaika to extend the Blades' lead to two.
The Raiders pulled Chaika for the extra attacker in the final minute, but were unable to get a puck past Maier.
Chaika finished the game with 22 saves in the loss. Maier made 20 saves to pick up the win for the Blades.
The Raiders head to Regina tomorrow night for their final meeting with the Pats this season. Game time at the Brandt Centre is 7 p.m. Catch the game on WHL Live on CHL TV, or head to either The Rock and Iron Club House or Original Joe's to watch.
The next Raiders' home game is also the Raiders' final game of the 2021-22 regular season when the Brandon Wheat Kings come to town on Saturday, April 16. The game is a rescheduled contest from Saturday, January 29. Tickets purchased for the original date will be honoured for the game.
To purchase new tickets, head to the Raiders Office during working hours or go online to SaskTix.ca. Puck drop is 7 p.m.
Western Hockey League Stories from April 9, 2022
- Raiders Fall to Pats in Regina - Prince Albert Raiders
- Oil Kings to Play Lethbridge Hurricanes in First Round of WHL Playoffs - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Warriors Drop Tight Shootout Battle with Brandon - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Hitmen Leave the Road with 5-1 Setback at Lethbridge - Calgary Hitmen
- ICE Notch Win Number 50 - Winnipeg Ice
- Oil Kings Clinch Fourth Straight Division Title with Win over Rebels - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Game Day Hub: April 9 at Kamloops - Portland Winterhawks
- Chiefs Continue Playoff Push Saturday in Seattle - Spokane Chiefs
- Pats Host Raiders for Final Time this Season - Regina Pats
- Silvertips Clinch Ninth U.S. Division Title with 5-2 Win over Tri-City - Everett Silvertips
- Giants Kick off Weekend with a 7-2 Home Loss to Portland - Vancouver Giants
- Silvertips Announce 2021-22 Team Awards - Everett Silvertips
- Hawks Secure Home Ice with 7-2 Win over Vancouver - Portland Winterhawks
- Seminoff's Last Second Stunner Pushes Blazers Past Royals 4-3 - Victoria Royals
- Pats Edge Broncos; Bedard Sets New Franchise Record - Regina Pats
- Warriors Start Final Stretch in Brandon - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Raiders Shut Out by Blades in Saskatoon - Prince Albert Raiders
- Blades Goaltender Maier Sets All-Time WHL Wins Record - WHL
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