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Oil Kings edge Raiders 2-1 to end a long road trip

Dec 8, 2015 | 10:53 PM

Specialty teams told the tale in Edmonton as the Raiders fell 2-1 to the Oil Kings to close out a five game road swing.

The Oil Kings took the lead late in the first period when veteran winger Brett Pollock converted a three way passing play with a one time blast from inside the right wing circle but would be robbed by the quick catching hand of Raider goalie Rylan Parenteau on a clear cut breakaway early in the second period.

Reid Gardiner’s sizzling snap shot into the top corner just seconds into the Raiders first power play of the night midway through the second period tied the game after shots off the post earlier in the frame by Matteo Gennaro and Dylan Williamson. It was Gardiner’s team leading 19th goal of the season. 

The Raiders missed opportunities to take the lead on back to back power plays early in the third period. In fact Parenteau had to make two big saves on shorthanded chances by the Oil Kings after turnovers deep in Prince Albert territory.The Oil Kings would convert on their lone third period power play when a pass deflected to Colton Kehler at the side of the net and he would hit the top corner before Parenteau could recover. A solid 27 save effort earned Parenteau third star honors.

Assistant coach Kelly Guard told the 900 CKBI post game show audience it was an ugly sloppy game and said breakouts lacked crispness. .  

The Raiders were 1-4 on the power play and 2-5 on the penalty kill.

The Prince Albert crew went 3-2 on the road swing and remain first in the eastern division two points head of the Wheat Kings after Brandon’s 6-4 loss to Calgary. The win moves the Hitmen 1 point past the Raiders and into the eastern conference lead.

The team returns to the Art Hauser Centre Saturday to host the Kamloops Blazers on teddy bear toss night.

The game can be heard on 900 CKBI.

dwilson@panow.com

On Twitter: RaidersVoice