By Dropping the Mitts

Raiders reap results on road trip

Feb 27, 2014 | 5:29 PM

The Prince Albert Raiders could have seen their playoff dreams shattered, or at least in serious jeopardy, had they had a lousy road trip the last two weeks.

But they were able to come through with a record over .500 and as a result, they find themselves just one point out of a playoff spot with eight games remaining on the season.

They went a 3-2-1 on their six-game road trip, the longest roadie they’ve had this year.

Not including their 3-1 victory over the Swift Current Broncos Feb. 17 before the headed south of the border, the Raiders were 2-2-1 in their U.S Division road trip.

The road trip compares very well to what the Raiders have done in the past. On American road trips, the Raiders were 8-17-4 heading into this trip since 2001-2002, and 20-34-5 on west coast trips (including B.C. division trips).

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It’s also a very favourable record considering how the rest of the WHL East Division fared when they had their American road trips.

Here’s how they compared.

They were second by just a point to the Regina Pats, who were 3-2.

Here’s the goal differential. Note the Raiders scored more goals against the American opponents than any other East Division club.

The Raiders won the first three of their games on the road trip. After beating the Broncos in Swift Current Feb. 17, the Raiders traveled 982 km’s to get to Spokane, WA to face the Chiefs just two days later Feb. 19. 

Despite the long travel and the short turnaround, they owned the Chiefs 4-1 Feb. 19 and followed that up with a 6-4 win over the Tri-City Americans.

The Raiders couldn’t foil the Portland Winterhawks, who haven’t lost since Jan. 4, 22 games ago. They got a point against the hot Seattle Thunderbirds in a 4-3 overtime loss.

The trip ended Wednesday with a 5-1 loss to the Everett Silvertips, which Raiders associate coach Dave Manson said he was disappointed in the result, but did say fatigue played a factor in the result.

Morrissey breaks record more than twice as old as him

During the trip, Josh Morrissey broke a 27-year-old franchise record—and he’s only 18.

Morrissey scored his 23rd goal of the season on Feb. 25 against the Seattle Thunderbirds, breaking the Raiders’ single-season record for goals by defenceman. Raiders’ Wall of Honour legend Manny Viveiros previously set the record in 1985-1986 with 22 goals.

Morrissey ranks first in the WHL for goals among defencemen, three more than runner up Ryan Pulock of the Brandon Wheat Kings. Morrissey is also second in points (63 in 51 games) behind Seattle’s Shea Theodore (69 points in 61 games).

Looking ahead

Although expectations from fans, and internally from the team, where much higher than scrapping and clawing late in the season for a playoff spot, that's where the Raiders find themselves.

The Raiders are one point out of a playoff spot (63 points) as they continue to battle with the Red Deer Rebels (64) for that eighth spot in the WHL Eastern Conference. Both teams have eight games remaining on the year.

The Raiders are also five points back of the Brandon Wheat Kings, who are in the seventh spot.

PA has five home games remaining, starting on Saturday against the Kootenay Ice. They also face the Moose Jaw Warriors on Tuesday, the Calgary Hitmen on Friday and the Brandon Wheat Kings on Saturday.

After a two-game set on the road in Moose Jaw and Regina to face the Pats Mar. 11-12, the Raiders will end the year with a home-and-home against the Saskatoon Blades Mar. 14-15.

jdandrea@panow.com

On Twitter: @jeff_dandrea