Game Preview: Game 44 @ Red Deer

SETTING IT UP:

The Raiders kicked off their three game Alberta road with a 6-4 setback in Edmonton against the Oil Kings. They trailed the game 4-0 at one point, and came back to make it a 5-4 contest late in the third, but an empty net goal from the Oil Kings sealed the deal, as the green and gold fell to 19-21-0-3 on the season. Prince Albert will now shift their focus to the Red Deer Rebels, who have been rolling as of late. The season series between the two clubs is tied at one game apiece, but the last time the Raiders were in Red Deer, Krzysztof Macias scored a hat trick as part of a 6-2 Raider win.

THE CROCK POT IS COOKING:

Niall Crocker was on fire on Friday night, as he recorded a hat trick in Edmonton. All three goals were from his office right in front of the net, as he scored his 11, 12, and 13 goals of the season from the crease area.

THE PLAYOFF PICTURE:

The Raiders continue to cling onto the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, as a Calgary loss keeps them one point in front of the Hitmen for the eighth seed. The Regina Pats are four points behind the Raiders as well in the hunt for the playoffs.

TALE OF THE TAPE:

UP NEXT:

The Raiders wrap up their road swing tomorrow night in Calgary to take on the Hitmen in a crucial game in terms of the standings. Puck drop is 5pm Sask time. After that, Prince Albert will return home to get ready for a matchup with the Saskatoon Blades on Friday night. The Raiders will be rebranding as the Cobra Chickens for that game, which kicks off a home and home with their East Division rivals.