Tkatch: Raiders get their ‘swagger back,’ beat Warriors 4-1

The Raiders had a 2-0 lead over the Warriors after the first period, and outshot the visitors 15-10.

After Reid Gardiner gave the Raiders the lead, Matteo Gennaro scored a shortie in the first period which ended up being the game-winning goal.

With Gennaro’s goal, the Raiders have now scored one shorthanded goal in each of their last four games. The Raiders now have five shorthanded goals on the season, which is second behind only the Prince George Cougars who have six.

So how does a team go about getting a four-game shorthanded goal streak?

“It’s just good players,” said Raiders head coach Marc Habscheid. “They make it count. Those are key, because that’s a two-goal swing. They’re really important for us.”

Gennaro walked through his goal on a 2-on-0, set up nicely by Tkatch.

“It was kind of a weird play, I think the defenceman tried to pinch down on Gordo [Tkatch’s nickname] and he made a great play to poke it past him,” said Gennaro. “I didn’t know where the other, offside defenceman was so I just joined the rush. It was a really nice feed from Gordo on the 2-on-0.”

Not only that, but Tuesday’s game marked the second in a row that the Raiders have scored on the power play—after previously going scoreless on 21 straight opportunities.

Jesse Lees got the power play goal on a two-man advantage, tipping home a point blast by Gardiner.

Reid Gardiner had a goal and an assist in the game. He’s now scored four goals in his last three games, with a helper. Matteo Gennaro and Jesse Lees each had a goal for the Raiders.

Newcomer Ty Mappin got his first goal as a Raider, an empty netter late to make it 4-1.

Just like on Gennaro’s goal, Tkatch could have scored the goal himself, but instead, elected to make the pass instead.

“I think that’s just my style of play that I play,” said Tkatch. “We were making lots of chances in the last couple games and we knew the goals would come.

“I knew Mapps wanted one bad, so it’s nice for him to get his first one.”

Landon Quinney, the younger brother of former Raider Gage Quinney, scored the Warriors’ lone goal of the game. Warriors captain Brayden Point was held scoreless, the first time that’s happened since Oct. 24. Point left the game midway through the second period and did not return.

Raiders goaltender Ian Scott made 26 saves. Warriors tender Zach Sawchenko made 29 saves for the Warriors.

Coleman raising Mo’ Money

As of Tuesday night, Raiders forward Luke Coleman has raised more money for Movember than any player in the CHL as his totals are already up at $1,220. Coleman ranks third in the CHL Network behind only two Mofffical, Bruce Skilliter and Tom Donaldson.

Coleman’s $1,220 accounts for more than half of the Raiders’ total, which is currently sitting at $2,125. The Raiders are the third ranked team in Movember donations, and second in the WHL behind the Edmonton Oil Kings.

The Raiders play the Regina Pats on Saturday, the Calgary Hitmen on Nov. 24 and the Edmonton Oil Kings on Nov. 27—all at the Art Hauser Centre at 7 p.m.

jdandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_dandrea

by Jeff D'Andrea

Tkatch: Raiders get their ‘swagger back,’ beat Warriors 4-1

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