Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

Raiders score late to take win in Edmonton

The Edmonton Oil Kings (18-34-6-2) started their five game homestand with a Saturday night game against the Prince Albert Raiders (25-25-9-2). Josh Dechaine got the start for Edmonton while Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Ian Scott started for Prince Albert.

Through the first twenty the Oil Kings took a two-goal lead over Prince Albert, Trey Fix-Wolansky opened the scoring with a shot around a defender, through the five hole of Ian Scott. Conner McDonald then added to the lead, a five-on-three power play goal, when an errant pass found the stick of Conner McDonald who rifles it past Scott. Shots after twenty, 14-9 in favour of the Oil Kings.

A heavy scoring second frame took place in Edmonton. It started with a string of goals from Prince Albert’s top players. Vojtech Budik started it off on the power play at 5:18, a one-timer that found its way over the glove of Josh Dechaine. Curtis Miske then tied the game shortly after. Miske found his way behind the Oil Kings defenders and was able to put the puck over the glove of Dechaine. Brett Leason scored less than a minute after to take the lead for Prince Albert, a well-placed shot from the slot that went over the blocker of Dechaine.

Edmonton finally found its way back on the score sheet with a Trey Fix-Wolansky goal around the midway point of the frame. A couple more goals followed, one by each team, with Brett Leason getting his second of the game and David Kope getting his eleventh this season on the power play. 4-4 after forty with shots tied at 24 a piece.

The Prince Albert Raiders would find a way in the third however, to take this one.

With Parker Kelly scoring the lone goal in the third period, a backdoor feed from Regan Nagy that just deflects off the stick of Kelly and past Dechaine. Edmonton would fight back late but couldn’t tie the game, a couple of fights would then flair out at the final buzzer. A 5-4 win for Prince Albert with the finals shots being 31-29 for the Raiders.

Oil Kings Court:

Both teams really struggled at points in this game in their defensive zone, not a great job being aware of other players and managing the opposition.

Thought Brett Kemp had a good game, utilizing his speed much more and has been constant driving the offense of his line it seems.

Neither team pulled its goalie despite both allowing four goals each in their first 24 shots.

The win puts Prince Albert only two points out from the last playoff spot, Saskatoon currently occupies that spot with 65 points.

Draft Eligible:

Cole Fonstad – Wasn’t overly impressed with Fonstad, he kind of faded away for the most part. Displayed some skill at times and I enjoy his poise with the puck. Fairly reliable as a puck carrier and explosive first step on the puck. Fonstad will most likely hear his name being called in June from an NHL team.

Kody McDonald – Despite being a ’98 born, I could see a few teams looking at McDonald potentially. Was traded earlier this year for a massive haul, and I really felt he was the best player on the ice yesterday. Fairly creative playmaker who can work a 200-foot game, possesses great hockey IQ and puck management.

Brett Leason – Another guy who was passed up last year. Leason has had a break out season this year with the Raiders and had a couple of goals last night to add to it. An intelligent big bodied forward who can read developing situations and find soft scoring areas. Has a great shot and doesn’t need a lot of space to get it off. Would have to think he is drawing some interest from NHL clubs.