The Portland Winterhawks fell at home this Friday by a score of 2-1 against the Prince Albert Raiders. Entering the contest, Portland was 5-0-0 when hosting this season. This was also the Winterhawks’ first home game since Oct. 18, when they defeated the Brandon Wheat Kings 11-1.
Despite Portland’s offense winning the shots on goal battle against Prince Albert, it was the Raiders who would find the back of the net first. With 15:54 remaining in the first period, Oli Chenier would lead the charge on an even two-on-two rush. Crossing the offensive blue line, Chenier would weave back towards the outside boards. As Chenier exposed the puck for a potential pass, the defense leaned looking for a poke check. However, Chenier would flip the puck over the stick of the incoming defender, and gain an outside angle from the bottom of the faceoff circle. Chenier would then wrist a shot from a short angle towards the near post. The puck would split the gap between Jan Špunar’s leg pad and blocker, banking into the net off Špunar’s side. Chenier’s unassisted goal would give the Raiders an early 1-0 lead.
In the second period, the Winterhawks offense would find a breakthrough. Just over eight minutes into the second period, Jack O’Brien would move up the penalty box boards. With defenders hovering around him, O’Brien would pass the puck to Marcus Nguyen in the middle as they entered the offensive zone. Nguyen would then shift a pass to his left for Nicholas Johnson to receive. Johnson, from just inside the faceoff circle, would wrist a shot low blocker side. The shot would streak past Raiders netminder, Max Hildebrand, ring off the post, and hit twine on the far side of the goal. Johnson’s goal would tie the game at 1-1, with 11:40 remaining in the period.
However, the Winterhawks momentum was short lived. Just 2:40 later, Prince Albert would retake the lead. Justice Christensen would keep the puck in the offensive zone at the blue line, and wrist a shot towards the net. His shot would be blocked between the faceoff circles. Niall Crocker would race through the middle, attempting to scoop up the rebound. Crocker would then backhand the puck towards the net, but his shot would deflect off Ryder Thompson’s shin pad. The puck would wobble towards the top of the crease, where Krzysztof Macias was unmarked. Macias would slide the puck five-hole, as Špunar was shifting into position, giving Prince Albert the 2-1.
The Winterhawks put up a great effort in the third period. Špunar would make a handful of key saves to keep the game close, and Portland would outshoot Prince Albert 14-8 in the final frame. However, Max Hildebrand and the Raiders defense would not bend. Hildebrand would end the game with 37 saves on 38 shots, and the Raiders would hold on to win 2-1.
Portland’s next game is Sunday, Nov. 19, against the Everett Silvertips. Puck drop at Veterans Memorial Coliseum is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.
Northwest Sports Desk 