Overview:
The Lethbridge Hurricanes come into this weekend sitting in second last in the WHL’s Eastern Conference. Through 44 games, Lethbridge has won 16 games and holds a record of 16-27-0-1. The Hurricanes are 5-5-0-0 in their last 10 games and will no doubt be ready t o give it their all against the Cougars this weekend.
Who’s Up Front:
With the departure of Cam Braes to Moose Jaw at the trading deadline, the bulk of the offensive load now falls onto the shoulders of 20-year-old winger Brody Sutter’s shoulders. Through 40 games, Sutter has 36 points through 40 games played and he leads Lethbridge with 17 goals. Seven of his goals have come on the power play.
Who’s on D:
19-year-old blueliner Landon Oslanski leads the Hurricanes with 18 points through 43 games. He leads all Hurricanes defenceman with five goals and is second on the team in penalty minutes.
Who’s in Goal:
The Lethbridge Hurricanes have two very capable netminders that could both hypothetically see some time this weekend. 20-year-old Damien Ketlo comes into tonight’s game with a 12-14 record, a 3.47 goals against average and a save percentage of .904. Alternatively the Hurricanes could go with 18-year-old netminder Liam Liston. Liston is 4-9 this season with a 4.65 goals against average and a save percentage of .874.
X-Factor:
Tonight marks the return of former Cougars forward Nick Buonassisi. Since joining the Hurricanes, Buonassisi has put up 25 points in 32 games and has become one of the major focal points of the Hurricanes offense. Buonassisi will no doubt want to bring his best against his former team tonight.
Overview:
The Prince George Cougars come into tonight’s game with a record of 13-26-0-2. They sit ninth in the Western Conference and are just three points back of Victoria for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Cougars have lost five in a row, but in those five games they only played Kamloops and Vancouver. Perhaps a fresh opponent is just what the doctor ordered for the Cougars who are due to break out offensively any day now.
Who’s Up Front:
Alex Forsberg made his return to the Cougars lineup on Tuesday in Vancouver which will no doubt prove to be a big boost for the Prince George Cougars. The 16-year-old rookie is second in team scoring with 26 points in 36 games this season. He leads the team with 11 goals and is tied for the team lead in power play points with 12.
Who’s on D:
Now that Ricard Blidstrand has had a practice or two under his belt, I’d expect to see a much more confident and comfortable defender tonight. Blidstrand showed some good poise and strength in Tuesday’s matchup with Vancouver, and he definitely is happy to be in Prince George and wants to make an impact with his new teammates.
Who’s in Goal:
Drew Owsley was effective Tuesday in Vancouver stopping 22 of the 25 shots he faced. Two of the goals that beat him were scored on the power play and he certainly provided his team with timely saves. Whether it’s Drew Owsley or Devon Fordyce in goal tonight – Either will need to be at their best and hope that tonight is the night that the offense is ready to break out and give them some run support.
X-Factor:
The big X-Factor tonight will be for the Cougars to get off to a fast start and to get the crowd going. If the Cougars can throw a few big hits early and maybe strike early. It will help put them at ease, and will allow them to be the aggressor on home ice. 18 of the final 31 games for the Cougars will be played at home, and it’ll be important for them to start the second-half of their home games on the right foot tonight against Lethbridge.
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