PRINCE ALBERT, Saskatchewan (Interstat) — The Western Hockey League’s top team will look to continue its dominance over a struggling opponent when the Prince Albert Raiders host the Red Deer Rebels on Friday night at Art Hauser Centre.

The Raiders (55-16) enter the contest riding a wave of success, having won 10 of their last 11 games. Their recent mastery over the Rebels (26-45) is particularly stark, winning four of the last five meetings, including a 4-2 victory in Red Deer just three days ago. Prince Albert has outscored Red Deer 18-6 over their last three matchups.

A player to watch for the Raiders is forward Alisher Sarkenov, who scored two goals on six shots in Tuesday’s win over Red Deer. He has been a consistent offensive force, recording points in four of his last five games.

The Rebels, mired in a difficult season, have lost eight of their last ten contests. Their lone bright spot against Prince Albert this month was a 3-1 home win on March 7. Forward Patrick Sopiarz will be a key figure if Red Deer hopes to spring an upset. He scored a goal in Tuesday’s loss and had a goal and an assist in a win over Lethbridge on March 18, but the Rebels will need a more sustained team effort to challenge the league leaders.

This game is the third of four consecutive meetings between the clubs to close the regular season. They will meet again in Red Deer on Sunday and back in Prince Albert next Tuesday.

Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. local time at Art Hauser Centre.