(Keith Hershmiller/WHL)

By Jeff D’Andrea

Raiders Game Day

Raiders hope to buck Broncos and get back in win column

Mar 22, 2021 | 12:32 PM

Hockey games aren’t played on paper, they’re played on the ice. But with that being said, the Prince Albert Raiders (2-1-1-1) have stacks of files in their favour as they roll into their Monday 4 p.m. matchup against the Swift Current Broncos.

Not only are the Broncos 0-5 and have been outscored 22-10 to start the Subway Hub Centre season in Regina, but the Raiders have also had their way with the Broncos in recent years.

The Raiders have won their last 14 meetings against the Broncos, dating back to the 2018-19 season. They also haven’t lost in regulation against the Broncos for the last 17 games (16-0-0-1). The last time the Broncos won in regulation was a 6-5 decision on Feb. 11, 2018 at the Art Hauser Centre.

Ozzy Wiesblatt had three goals and six points in four games against the Broncos last year.

Ozzy Wiesblatt. Keith Hershmiller/WHL

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Goals are like bananas, they come in bunches

Through their first five games, the Raiders have either scored a ton of goals, or have been in a defensive struggle.

When the Raiders have scored five or more goals, they are 2-0, (6-3 win against the Regina Pats on March 12, 5-3 win over the Brandon Wheat Kings on March 16). But if the Raiders score two goals or less, they are 0-1-1-1, (2-1 shootout loss to Moose Jaw Warriors on March 14, 3-1 regulation loss to Saskatoon Blades on March 19, and a 3-2 overtime loss to Winnipeg ICE on March 21).

Former Raiders could make the jump to the big time soon

The Toronto Maple Leafs added goaltending prospect and former Prince Albert Raider Ian Scott to their taxi squad on Monday morning.

Scott backstopped the Raiders to the 2019 Ed Chynoweth Cup, while also winning the Goaltender of the Year awards for both the CHL and WHL.

Another Raider on that championship-winning team is Parker Kelly, who also might not have to wait too long to get his NHL chance. Kelly is on the Belleville Senators, the AHL affiliate of the Ottawa Senators. Ottawa head coach D.J. King saw Kelly play recently and said Kelly has the potential to play in the NHL.

“He’s banging into everything, and a guy that might be able to claw his way to the league,” King said in Sunday’s press conference.

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Jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW