Game Preview: Game 8 vs Calgary

SETTING IT UP:

Prince Albert returns home to take on the Calgary Hitmen tonight to kick off a three game weekend. The Raiders went a perfect 2-0-0-0 last weekend in Alberta, picking up wins in Red Deer and Edmonton to improve their record to 4-3-0-0 on the season. The Hitmen (2-5-0-0) played in back to back games on Tuesday and Wednesday night in Moose Jaw and Regina, dropping both games by 5-3 and 5-4 finals. Calgary is in the second half of their longest road trip of the season, as they get set for game four of six away from the Saddledome tonight.

MAD MAX:

Max Hildebrand got the start in goal for both of Prince Albert’s wins last weekend. The Martensville, SK product put up incredible numbers in both games, putting up a combined 1.50 GAA and a .958 SV%, and received first start honours in Edmonton. This season, Hildebrand has a 3-1-0-0 record with a 1.76 GAA and a .947 SV%.

DISCIPLINE:

The Raiders took seven penalties in Red Deer, and another eight in Edmonton. Staying out of the box will be important for the team if they want to keep up with their winning ways. They currently are the second most penalized team in the league with 137 PIMS, just one penalty minute behind the league leading Brandon Wheat Kings. Their penalty kill however, is fourth best in the league, trending at 87.2%.

TALE OF THE TAPE:

UP NEXT:

It’s a busy weekend for the Raiders, as they travel to Moose Jaw to take on the Warriors tomorrow night. They’ll return home on Sunday to battle the Blades, with a 6pm puck drop.