Raiders Rally Late to Secure 4-2 Win Against Winterhawks

UPDATE: The Prince Albert Raiders stunned the Portland Winterhawks with a late-game comeback, securing a thrilling 4-2 victory just moments ago on October 25, 2023. After trailing for two periods, the Raiders roared back in the third, showcasing resilience and determination.

The Winterhawks took an early lead, capitalizing on defensive lapses by the Raiders. A pivotal moment came when Carter Sotheran intercepted the puck during a penalty kill and set up Alex Weiermair for a powerful one-timer, putting Portland ahead 1-0 at the end of the first period. The Raiders struggled early on, managing only 7 shots compared to the Winterhawks’ 11.

Entering the second, the Winterhawks struck again, extending their lead to 2-0 when Sam Spehar scored off a slick setup from Ryan Miller. The Raiders faced adversity with multiple penalties, but goalie Michal Orsulak stood tall, making crucial saves and keeping his team in the game.

The tide turned in the third period. Just under five minutes in, Evan Smith scored for the Raiders, igniting their comeback with a well-executed tic-tac-toe play. The momentum shifted dramatically when Alisher Sarkenov netted another goal shortly after, tying the game at 2-2.

With the clock winding down, Smith struck again, giving the Raiders a 3-2 lead with a precise shot under the crossbar. Sarkenov sealed the victory with an empty-net goal, finishing the game at 4-2.

Orsulak’s performance was nothing short of remarkable, stopping 61 of 64 shots over the past two games. His stellar play has solidified his status as a leading candidate for the WHL Goaltender of the Week.

The Raiders now enjoy a brief respite before heading to Seattle to face the Thunderbirds on October 27, followed by a matchup against the Wenatchee Wild on October 28. Fans are eager to see if the Raiders can continue this winning momentum.

Stay tuned for more updates as the WHL season progresses!