The Prince Albert Raiders struggled to stay out of the penalty box on Saturday and the Saskatoon Blades made them pay.
Cameron Hebig scored three goals, two of which came on the power play, as the Blades downed the Raiders 5-2 in Warman.
The Raiders gave Saskatoon seven power play opportunities in the first two periods, surrendering a total of 27 shots in the process.
The first period was a tight affair, with the Raiders outshooting the Blades 13-12, but falling behind 1-0 on Hebig’s first of the night.
The Blades wasted little time adding to their lead once play resumed in the second. Hebig added another power play goal just two minutes into the frame, giving Saskatoon a 2-0 lead.
Gage Ramsay made it 3-0 Saskatoon before the Raiders got on the board. Sean Montgomery continued his hot streak, firing home a quick shot to pull Prince Albert back within two. Raider captain Curtis Miske and 2017 first overall pick Kaiden Guhle drew the assists.
However goals from Hebig and 2016 second overall pick Kirby Dach put the Blades up 5-1 heading into the final frame.
Montgomery struck again for Prince Albert midway through the third, with assists to Miske and D-Jay Jerome, but that’s as close as things would get, as the Blades skated away from a 5-2 victory.
Rookie Brett Balas was busy for most of the night, stopping 38 of 43 shots in a loosing cause. Overage netminder Logan Flodell made 30 saves for Saskatoon.
The Raiders continue their preseason with a home-and-home series against the Regina Pats. The first game takes place on Sept. 15 at the Brandt Centre in Regina. Puck drop is 7 p.m.
Prince Albert’s final home exhibition game comes a day later on Sept. 16.
