Tuesday, January 10, 2012

The Prince George Cougars and Vancouver Giants meet for the eighth and final time tonight at the Pacific Coliseum. The Cougars are 1-5-0-1 against Vancouver this season, and would snap a four-game losing skid with a victory.





Overview:

The Vancouver Giants are 6-4-0-0 in their last 10 games and are currently sitting fourth in the WHL’ Western Conference standings. The Giants are coming off an 8-4 victory over the Portland Winterhawks.



Who’s Up Front:

Brendan Gallagher wasted no time in making an impact in his return to the Vancouver Giants lineup. Days removed from a bronze medal at the World Juniors, Gallagher scored three goals, and added four assists for Vancouver in their 8-4 victory over the Portland Winterhawks.



Who’s on D:

Yesterday the Vancouver Giants bolstered their defense when they added 19-year-old Tyler Vanscourt in a trade with Moose Jaw. Vanscourt has recorded 21 points in 40 games this season, and adds some stability to the Giants blueline. Vanscourt is expected to make his Giants debut tonight against Prince George.



Who’s in Goal:

20-year-old goaltender Adam Morrison has six victories this season against Prince George and 24 victories altogether this season. Morrison has a goals against average of 2.49 and a save percentage of .910. His backup goaltender is Jackson Whistle who is still searching for his first victory in the WHL.



X-Factor:

Cain Franson has recorded 11 points (4G, 7A) in six games this season against the Prince George Cougars. The 18-year-old product of Sicamous, BC always seems to bring his best against Prince George, and the Cats will need to keep him in check if they want to find success tonight.





Overview:



The Prince George Cougars are still seeking their first victory of 2012. They have dropped their last four games, and have had their struggles with consistency as of late. That being said the Cougars are still just three points back of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference, and are just a good bounce or two away from turning things around. The Cats come into tonight’s game with a record of 13-25-0-2.



Who’s Up Front:

The Prince George Cougars have scored the fewest goals of any team in the Western Hockey League, and in order for them to get back on the right side of the win column, they’ll need a group effort offensively. The top trio of Alex Forsberg, Troy Bourke and Daulton Siwak will need to do their part, but the Cougars are going to need some help from the other three lines. If the Cats can get some production from the likes of Greg Fraser and Campbell Elynuik, they’ll get the ball rolling in the right direction. It’s only a matter of time.



Who’s on D:

It’ll be important for the Cougars to restore some defensive confidence tonight. The Cougars strength lies in their depth on the back-end, and guys like Jesse Forsberg, Dan Gibb and Cody Carlson are no doubt going to be ready for a big game against Vancouver. They big key for the Cougars will be to keep Vancouver off of the power play.



Who’s in Goal:

Drew Owsley did not get a lot of help in Saturday’s 6-1 loss to Kamloops, but was still pulled after allowing his fifth goal on 30 shots. Devon Fordyce stepped in and played well for the Cougars, surrendering just one goal on 11 shots faced. Regardless of who gets the call, the Cougars may need their goaltender to steal a victory.



X-Factor:

Discipline. If the Cougars can keep their opponent off of the power play they’ll give themselves a much better opportunity to secure two points. The Giants are dangerous in any situation, but they are much more of a threat with the extra attacker.

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