Overview:
Don Nachbaur’s Spokane Chiefs have won three straight games, and are now back in fourth place in the Western Conference standings. They head into action tonight one point ahead of the Vancouver Giants. The Chiefs are 35-22-4-3 overall this season.
Who’s Up Front:
Only one Chiefs forward registered more than a point in last night’s 4-1 victory and it was 18-year-old Mike Aviani. The product of Surrey, B.C. recorded two assists and has put up 42 points through 62 games this season for Spokane.
Who’s on D:
Spokane defenceman Davis Vandane was named the game’s first star last night for his efforts at both ends of the ice. The Yorkton, Saskatchewan native assisted on the game-winning goal, and provided the Chiefs with quality minutes. His size, poise and patience were on full display last night, and the Cougars will need to key in on Vandane and also the likes of Brenden Kichton and Corbin Baldwin on the back-end.
Who’s in Goal:
The Spokane Chiefs got reliable goaltending last night from Mac Engel who became the first Spokane goalie this season to defeat the Cougars. He stopped 17 of the 18 shots he faced, and had to make some tough saves late in the game to keep his team ahead by three. No word yet on whether Engel will go again for Spokane, but it would be hard to argue against it.
X-Factor:
The Spokane Chiefs proved last night that they are not afraid to involve their defense in the offense. The first two goals from the Chiefs were a direct result of their defencemen making great plays to set up goals. The Cougars will need to protect the lanes a little better tonight and minimize the effectiveness of the Spokane blueliners.
Overview:
The Prince George Cougars head into tonight’s game looking to snap a seven-game losing streak. The Cougars now find themselves five points out of eighth place in the Western Conference standings, and with only eight games remaining, time is starting to run out for the Cougars. A win tonight would put them right back into striking distance with two big matchups looming against Seattle on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Who’s Up Front:
Cougars forward Troy Bourke found the score-sheet again last night with an assist on Daulton Siwak’s first period goal. Bourke leads the Cougars with 45 points through 63 games, and has been one of the team’s most consistent players all season long. With Daulton Siwak’s status uncertain for tonight, even more of an onus will be played on Troy Bourke and his linemates to create offense against a tough Spokane team who doesn’t give up a whole lot.
Who’s on D:
Reid Jackson has certainly gained a lot of positive attention as of late for his play on defense for the Prince George Cougars. While Jackson’s numbers aren’t flashy, his steady play has been a huge asset for the Cougars. Jackson was used as a shut-down guy earlier this week against Medicine Hat, and was used alongside Cody Carlson for a large majority of last night’s game with Spokane. If Jackson can bring another strong effort tonight, it bodes well for the Cougars.
Who’s in Goal:
Drew Owsley turned aside 34 shots on 38 attempts last night for the Cougars, and certainly played well enough to earn another start tonight. But with two must-win games against Seattle coming up, perhaps this game tonight opens up the door for Devon Fordyce to get the call. Whoever goes for the Cougars tonight will need to be at their best, and perhaps steal a victory to help snap this losing skid.
X-Factor:
The Prince George Cougars must receive secondary scoring tonight if they hope to be victorious. Troy Bourke and his linemates have been the most steady point producers as of late, and tonight perhaps more than ever, the rest of the forward corps will need to elevate their game and convert on the chances that they get. If the Cougars can head into the third period either tied for the lead or ahead, they’ll give themselves a great opportunity to win tonight.
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