Calgary at Prince Albert

The Calgary Hitmen (5-6-0-1) open a six game East Division road trip tonight in Prince Albert against the Raiders (4-12-1-1).  The Hitmen are coming off Saturday's 3-1 home ice win over Everett.  The victory snapped a two game slide and saw Calgary fire over 40 shots in a contest for the third time this season.  The Raiders meanwhile also last played on Saturday, but they dropped a 4-3 home ice decision to Saskatoon.  The loss was their fifth straight, a season high.  Calgary sits just one point ahead of Prince Albert for 10th in the Eastern Conference, but the Hitmen have played six fewer games. 

Tonight's broadcast is internet only on Sportsnet 960 The Fan and starts at 7:00 p.m.  Click here to listen

Top Scorers:

Calgary
Victor Rask 7g 5a 12pts
Cody Sylvester 3g 8a 11pts
Brooks Macek 4g 6a 10pts
Alex Gogolev 4g 4a 8pts

Prince Albert
Justin Maylan 8g 13a 21pts
Brandon Herrod 6g 9a 15pts
Mark McNeill 4g 10a 14pts
Mike Winther 7g 5a 12pts

STREAKING:  Cody Sylvester (1g 1a) has points in back-to-back games.

WORK LOAD:  Chris Driedger has made six straight starts in goal.

POWERPLAY IMPROVEMENT:  After starting the season 1-17 (5.9%) on the powerplay, the Hitmen have gone 11-43 (25.6%) over their last eight games.

KILLING TIME:  The Hitmen penalty kill, which gave up eight goals in the first five games to start the season, has also seen a major improvement.  It's surrendered just four goals over the last six games.

WHL TOP 10:  Hitmen goalie Chris Driegder owns the fifth best goals against average in the WHL at 2.03.  His .925 save percentage is also fifth best.  Hitmen center Victor Rask is tied for eighth in rookie scoring with 12 points.  His seven goals is the second most of any first year player while his three powerplay goals is also number two among rookies.