MEDICINE HAT — The Prince Albert Raiders got off to a good start and had a solid finish in the opening game of their Eastern Conference semifinal series with Medicine Hat, but a second-period surge by the Tigers would prove to be the difference.
The regular-season Conference champions scored four goals in the span of just over eight minutes and would go on to a 6-4 victory in Game 1 of the best-of-seven series Saturday night in Medicine Hat.
As a result, the Tigers draw first blood and will have that one-game lead in the best-of-seven battle when things resume on Sunday evening at Co-Op Place.
Evan Smith got things started for the Raiders at the 10:06 mark of the opening frame but Liam Ruck would get that one back with 3:25 to play in the first, and the teams would go into the break tied up at one apiece.
Oasiz Weisblatt got things started with his eighth goal of the playoffs at the 8:00 mark and 2:27 after that marker Gavin McKenna would make it 3-1 with his third goal and WHL-leading 17th point of the postseason.
Josh Van Mulligan made it a three-goal game with 5:10 to play in the frame and Ryder Ritchie would cap the run of goals with 3:19 remaining.
The Tigers power play had much to do with the outbreak, and all three non-coincidental penalties Prince Albert took in the period would result in goals. Medicine Hat also ended up with a sizable advantage on the shot clock, outshooting the Raiders 20-4 in the second for a 32-9 lead after two periods.
The Raiders didn’t pack it in, though, as Brayden Dube scored 25 seconds after Volotovskii’s goal, but that would be as close as they’d be able to get in Game 1.
All four of Prince Albert’s goals were the first of the playoffs for their respective players, with Smith finishing with two points. Mathew Ward had two assists for the Tigers.
Max Hildebrand finished with 27 saves over the first two periods, while Dimitri Fortin had three stops in the final frame. Jordan Switzer stopped 16 shots for Medicine Hat.
Game 2 is set for 6 p.m. Sunday in Medicine Hat, and you can watch the contest for free through whl.ca on Victory+.
Comments