Raiders goaltender Tikhon Chaika makes a blocker save against the Blades earlier this season. (Jeff D'Andrea/paNOW Staff)

By Jeff D’Andrea

Raiders Hockey

Raiders could get into eighth with win over Blades and Broncos loss

Apr 8, 2022 | 12:00 PM

Regardless of the outcome, the Prince Albert Raiders won’t need too much help to get ready for Friday night’s contest against the Saskatoon Blades.

The Raiders are within two points of the WHL Eastern Conference playoff race, and a win over their biggest rivals could go a long way in securing a postseason spot.

In the past, the Raiders have found getting wins at the SaskTel Centre difficult. Prior to the Hub season, the Raiders were 3-13 in the Blades’ home rink. Even during the Raiders’ WHL championship season in the 2018-19 season, the Raiders were 6-2 head-to-head against the Blades, but both losses came at the SaskTel Centre.

But this year, the Raiders have been able to exorcise whatever SaskTel Centre demons existed. The Raiders are 3-1 against the Blades in their building this year, including a 1-0 shutout victory on March 12, a 4-1 win on Dec. 18 and a 5-2 victory back on Nov. 6. The only time the Blades beat the Raiders in Saskatoon was on Dec. 30 with a 6-4 victory.

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The other game the Raiders should really keep their eyes on is the Regina Pats taking on the Swift Current Broncos. Although the Raiders take on the Pats on Saturday at the Brandt Centre and are trying to keep their four-point lead against Connor Bedard and the gang, a Pats’ win would be a big help.

The Raiders are trying to catch the Broncos for the eighth and final spot of the WHL Eastern Conference Playoff race. A Pats’ win and a Raiders’ win would put the Raiders in a tie for eighth spot with the Broncos, with the Raiders having a game in hand (and an advantage in the tiebreaker).

Here are the standings heading into Friday’s game.

7. Lethbridge Hurricanes, 64 points, 4 games remaining

8. Swift Current Broncos, 59 points, 2 games remaining

9. Calgary Hitmen, 58 points, 4 games remaining

10. Prince Albert Raiders, 57 points, 4 games remaining

11. Regina Pats, 53 points, 5 games remaining

Check out voice of the Raiders’ Rob Mahon for his call of the action on CKBI, starting at 6:30 p.m.

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Jeff.dandrea@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW