Adam Prudhomme
Editor
The Napanee Raiders’ saw their goaltenders’ combined scoreless streak come to an end at one hour, 26 minutes and 46 seconds during a 6-1 win in North Kawartha on Saturday night.
Denholm Blair allowed a goal to the Knights’ Geoffrey Boates with just 12 seconds remaining in the first period. That marked the first goal a Raider goalie had allowed since a third period goal surrendered to the Port Hope Panthers back on Jan. 25. In between those games the Raider duo of Logan Vale and Blair combined for three straight shutouts.
Though Coates’ goal did break up the neat streak the Raider goalies had going, it had little impact on the actual game.
Napanee’s offense had more than enough firepower to overcome the setback, scoring five unanswered over the final 40 minutes to cruise to the easy victory. Erik MacNiel and Jayden Holden led the way with a pair of goals while Alex Case and Trent Williams each had one in the third. Williams’ goal was his 28th on the season, giving him a share of the team lead with Michael Patrick, both with 40 games played.
Blair finished with 13 saves on the night. His counterpart Ibrahim Tahir faced 48 shots, allowing all six goals.
A Raider victory was never really in doubt, as the Knights have just three wins in 41 games on the season. Napanee meanwhile continues to hold onto the top spot in the East Tod Division, now with a record of 31-7 with an overtime and shootout loss.
They’ve opened up a six point lead over the second place Frankford Huskies, though the Huskies hold three games in hand over the Raiders.
Napanee will close out the regular season next weekend, starting with a home date at the Best and Bash Area against the Amherstview Jets on Friday. Puck drop is 7:30 p.m.
On Saturday they’ll visit the Huskies in a game that could very well determine the division winner.
Should Napanee hold onto the top spot, they would open the playoffs against the last place Knights.