Overview:
Shaun Clouston’s Tigers head into tonight’s game with the third best record in the Eastern Conference. The Tigers are 38-21-2-3 and currently hold a four point lead over the Calgary Hitmen for third but are still eight points back of Edmonton for first in the Central Division.
Who’s Up Front:
Leading the way last night for Medicine Hat was the duo of Emerson Etem and Hunter Shinkaruk. The two combined for five points and were everything as advertised. Etem had three assists while Shinkaruk had two goals, including the game winner. The Cougars did a good job against them five-on-five but the primary goal tonight will be to keep the Tigers off of the power play.
Who’s on D:
20-year-old defencemen Matthew Konan was a rock for the Tigers in last night’s game. He assisted on the game’s first goal and also logged a lot of key minutes alongside defense partner James Bettauer.
Who’s in Goal:
Tyler Bunz returned to the goal for Medicine Hat last night and stopped 19 of the 21 shots he faced for the victory. He looked a tad rusty at times, but Bunz made the saves when he had too and did his part to keep the Tigers ahead.
X-Factor:
The Cougars showed last night that they are more than capable of playing with the Tigers five-on-five. If the Tigers get on the power play they will prove to be very dangerous again. Special teams will likely be a huge factor in deciding the outcome of tonight’s game.
Overview:
Heading into tonight’s game, the Prince George Cougars are four points back of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Though the Cougars have dropped five straight, other teams in the Western Conference continue to do the Cougars favors. With 10 games remaining in their regular season, the Cougars need to start helping themselves, and they can do so with two points tonight.
Who’s Up Front:
The Prince George Cougars are hoping that Troy Bourke can continue to create offense at his current pace. Bourke has four goals in his past five games, and is now one goal shy from a share of the team-lead. The draft-eligible forward will need to have another big night to help his team back into the win column.
Who’s on D:
Dean Clark used the tandem of Ricard Blidstrand and Reid Jackson against Emerson Etem and Hunter Shinkaruk last night, and he was happy with the results that he saw five-on-five. He hinted earlier today that these two will likely see a lot of ice time against them again tonight.
Who’s in Goal:
Drew Owsley was marvelous for the Cougars in last night’s game. He saw 44 shots and stopped 41 of them, and once again gave his team every opportunity to win the game. You can’t ask for much more than what Drew Owsley has consistently provided for the Cougars.
X-Factor:
Special teams was one of the major factors that cost the Cougars in last night’s game. If you take away the Tigers power play goal and short-handed goal, you’ve probably got a different outcome. If the Cougars can find a way to get the power play clicking tonight, while limiting the Tigers opportunities, the Cougars could very well be back within two points of the Western Conference playoffs.
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