Aiden Oiring attempts to knock a Blades attacker off the puck on Feb. 25, 2023. (Mark Peterson Media)

By Logan Lehmann

Gameday Preview

Raiders host rival Blades for final time this season

Mar 10, 2023 | 12:00 PM

The Prince Albert Raiders (25-32-3-0) are looking to move closer to a playoff spot and hope to do so in the battle of Highway 11 against the Saskatoon Blades (43-13-4-1) at the Art Hauser Centre.

The Raiders enter the game on a three-game skid and hope to snap it as their playoff window is closing. Prince Albert is 1-4 in their last five games, which includes a 3-1 loss to Saskatoon back on Feb. 25. However, the lone win came in a dominant 5-2 fashion over the Central Division winner Red Deer Rebels. The Raiders have also seen some success against the Blades this season with their latest win coming in an exciting comeback fashion. P.A. erased a three-goal deficit in the third to force overtime, taking the game 6-5.

Saskatoon comes to town on a major hot streak, riding an 11-game point streak that includes 10 wins and an overtime loss. The Blades haven’t lost in regulation since Feb. 10 when they fell to the Kamloops Blazers 5-2 in the opening game of their BC road trip.

This is the ninth meeting of the season between the storied rivals where Saskatoon currently holds the 6-2 season series advantage while outscoring Prince Albert 34-15.

After tonight, the Raiders and Blades wrap up the season series on Sunday afternoon in Saskatoon at the SaskTel Centre. Puck drop is at 4 p.m.

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A look at the Eastern Conference standings ahead of tonight. The Raiders are currently six points back of the Swift Current Broncos for the final spot in the East with eight games remaining on the schedule.

Who to Watch

Veteran Keaton Sorensen got the Raiders on the board in P.A.’s last game, scoring a nasty goal while on the penalty shot. It was also a special moment for the centreman as the game was his 200^th career game and the point was his 50^th of the season, the first time he’s cracked the milestone. The Red Deer product sits just six points shy of 100 career points.

Rookie Ryder Ritchie collected a pair of points last game against Brandon, including a goal and an assist. The 16-year-old also leads the Raiders in scoring against the Blades where he’s managed two goals and four assists in eight games against Saskatoon.

Blueliner Landon Kosior continues to remain among the top defensemen in the league in terms of scoring where, entering the game, he sits in 12^th with 54 points. In terms of goals scored however the veteran is tied for third with Prince George Cougar Ethan Samson, both with 17 markers this season.

More information about tonight’s contest.

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logan.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @lloganlehmann