(Zachary Peters/Winnipeg ICE)

By Jeff D’Andrea

Raiders Hockey

Raiders hope good head-to-head record holds up against hot ICE

Apr 20, 2022 | 5:00 PM

Despite what many of the numbers would suggest, the Prince Albert Raiders are probably the WHL’s best shot at upsetting the ICE in the opening rounds.

Other than the second-place Edmonton Oil Kings who were 3-1 against the ICE this year, no other team has a better head-to-head record against the ICE this year than the Raiders.

The Raiders were 3-4-1 against the ICE, and are the only team other than Edmonton to accrue more than two wins against them. The Brandon Wheat Kings played them 10 times and still managed less wins against the ICE (2-7-1), while the Saskatoon Blades (2-5-1), Moose Jaw Warriors (2-5), Regina Pats (0-7) couldn’t get it done either. The rest of the Central Division teams could only manage one win or less (in fewer games of course); Calgary Hitmen, (0-4), Lethbridge Hurricanes (1-3), Swift Current Broncos (1-4-0-1).

But for the Raiders to advance to the second round, they will have to improve of their head-to-head record against the ICE, even if it is one of the best. The ICE clinched first place in the WHL with two games remaining and are ranked second overall in the CHL Top 10 rankings heading into the postseason.

“They’re a really good team. They’re first place for a reason, second place in the country, so we just have to come out and be on top of things, come in with a game plan, and execute all throughout the series,” Raiders captain Reece Vitelli said.

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But the Raiders are coming into the playoffs after an intense push that started for them in the middle of February. They’re also coming off two huge win-or-go-home victories, 4-1 in Swift Current last Friday and of course Saturday’s 5-1 win over the Brandon Wheat Kings.

“We’ve done it for—how many games now, and we can keep it rolling. Winnipeg’s obviously a really good team, but we have to keep chugging along and do what we need to do,” Raiders assistant captain Remy Aquilon said. “It’s huge. All the guys, we had a big push. Everyone bought in and all the guys did their jobs. No one tried to do what they don’t normally do, and I’m pretty happy with this group and what we’ve accomplished so far.”

The ICE have threats all throughout their lineup. Matthew Savoie is a 90-point scorer. Connor McClennon has a hat trick, five-point night against the Raiders this year, while he and Mikey Milne both scored 81 points. Benjamin Zloty is one of the best puck-moving defencemen in the league, as his 64 points and 56 assists would suggest.

“We just have to play our roles really good, block a lot of shots. They have a lot of firepower upfront, with a lot of points. We have to be aware of who’s on the ice. But if we do our jobs, we’ll be just fine,” Aquilon said.

Games 1 and 2 will be in Winnipeg on Friday and Saturday. The Raiders will have a chance to look at their team at the Art Hauser Centre on Tuesday and Wednesday for Games 3 and 4. If required, Game 5 will be on April 29 at the Wayne Fleming Arena, Game 6 will be at the Art Hauser Centre on May 1 with a possible Game 7 slated for May 3.

Listen to all the playoff action on CKBI with voice of the Raiders Rob Mahon.

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Jeff.dandrea@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW