Overview:
Marc Habscheid’s Victoria Royals head into tonight’s game with a 2-7-0-1 record in their last 10 games. The Royals have dropped two straight games and are barely holding on to the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Royals are 18-36-2-4.
Who’s Up Front:
Victoria forward Brandon Magee always seems to bring his best against the Cougars. In six games played, Magee has tallied nine points against the Cougars including three goals. So far this season Magee has 43 points in 53 games.
Who’s on D:
Royals captain Hayden Rintoul had Victoria’s lone goal when these teams last met on Saturday, February 18th. Rintoul has scored twice and has added two assists in six meetings this season.
Who’s in Goal:
When these teams last met, Royals netminder Keith Hamilton was chased from the net after surrendering three goals on just 10 shots. I’d expect Hamilton will be looking for a strong bounce-back game against Prince George should he get his number called tonight.
X-Factor:
Ben Walker has been a truly effective forward for the Victoria Royals. In four games against Prince George, Walker has managed seven points. The Royals have some strong offensive depth and Walker always seems to bring his best against the Cougars. Keeping Walker in check will be a big priority for the Cougars.
Overview:
Dean Clark’s Prince George Cougars head into tonight knowing that their next eight consecutive games will be played at home. The Cats are 3-7-0-0 in their last 10 games and are 19-38-0-2 this season. A victory tonight for the Cougars coupled with an Everett loss would move the Cougars into eighth place in the Western Conference standings.
Who’s Up Front:
Cougars forward Troy Bourke has been the team’s best player on many nights this season. Even though the Cougars fell twice in Portland, it was great to see Troy Bourke score in both games. He now has 12 goals this season and has matched last season’ point total (42 points) with 13 more still to be played. If Bourke can continue to light the lamp offensively it will be a great asset to the Cougars tonight against Victoria.
Who’s on D:
Dan Gibb recorded his first goal of the season when these teams last met on Saturday, February 18th. Gibb has set a new season high for points with eight already this season, and has been one of the main ‘go-too guys’ defensively all season for the Cougars. A big weekend from Gibb and his fellow defencemen will be important for the Cougars against Victoria.
Who’s in Goal:
Drew Owsley was acquired for weekends like this one. The 20-year-old goaltender was marvelous during the most recent meeting between these two teams, and you know that he’ll be tested often against this Royals offense. If Drew Owsley can play with a lead this weekend he’ll be incredibly difficult to beat. He’s shown that season that leads are safe, especially in the third period. The Cougars are 12-1-0-0 this season when leading after two periods and Drew Owsley is a huge reason why.
X-Factor:
The first 10 minutes of tonight’s game will be very telling. If the Cougars can come out and set a physical tone and get the crowd into it, I think it bodes well for them over the weekend. Keep in mind that these two teams are both not shy about dropping the gloves. If the Cougars can be the aggressor early, I like their chances against the Royals.
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