Penalty woes hamper Raiders against Blades

Through the rest of the period, the Raiders killed off their first two penalties while failing to score on their first powerplay, and the Blades seemed like they were starting to take over near the end of the period.

After 1: Raiders 1 – 0 Blades, shots 11-6 Blades

The Blades only needed 1:52 into the second to tie it. David Lewandowski was skating on the Raiders blueline behind the defence, and was on a collision course with Raiders defenceman Brock Cripps that would’ve earned Lewandowski an interference penalty. Instead, Hayden Harsanyi passed the puck to Lewandowksi just as he was about to collide with Cripps, forcing Cripps to stumble and create a 2-on-1. Lewandowski fed Harsanyi, and he tied it for the Blades.

After the teams again exchanged penalties, the Blades scored again at 14:47. This time it was a shot from Jack Lavallee that was stopped, and Hunter Laing on the goal line found the rebound and scored his first of the game.

After 2: Raiders 1 – 2 Blades, shots 10-6 Blades, 21-12 Blades overall

At the 2:23 mark, the Blades got their game winner on the night when Konstantin Huntzinger sent a shot on goal from the left, and the rebound popped out for David Lewandowski to put home. Then on their sixth powerplay of the game, the Blades finally scored with the man advantage thanks to a great move off the goal line for Hunter Laing who scored his second of the night at 6:36.

The Raiders got one back on their fifth powerplay of the game when Maddix McCagherty and Jordan Murray both helped work the puck to the right side for Connor Howe. The Prince Albert local moved to the middle to find his shooting lane, then picked the top right corner for his fourth of the season.

The Raiders got a powerplay with their goaltender pulled, but it never resulted in much offence and Kazden Mathies hit the empty net for the Blades to seal the deal at 19:49.

FINAL: Raiders 2 – 5 Blades, shots 14-8 Raiders, 29-26 Blades overall

The Raiders seem to have figured out their issues on the penalty kill, but gave up seven opportunities in the game including one that killed a powerplay of their own.

Connor Howe continues to provide offence at a wild pace with four goals in the first four games of the season. One more, and he’s tied his full season total from last year.

The Raiders have the next three days off before welcoming the Red Deer Rebels on Wednesday.

nick.nielsen@pattisonmedia.com

by Nick Nielsen

Penalty woes hamper Raiders against Blades

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