PREVIEW: Cougars vs. Royals – Game #42
Last night’s game in Prince George was a shining example that a hockey doesn’t need a pile of goals and fights to be entertaining. Through 60 back-and-forth minutes there was just one goal to be had, which came via the Prince George Cougars early in the third off the stick of Jesse Gabrielle. Otherwise the game was completely dictated by goaltending as both Ty Edmonds for the Cougars and Griffen Outhouse for the Royals put on a clinic between the pipes making 78 saves combined. Now tonight the Cougars and Royals will clash again and it’s very simple: The winner of tonight’s game moves into second place outright in the B.C. Division and the Western Conference standings.
VICTORIA ROYALS
Overview:
Dave Lowry’s Victoria Royals come into tonight’s game with an overall record of 24-15-1-3. Their 52 points puts them tied with the Cougars for second in the B.C. Division standings. They are 4-4-0-2 in their past 10 games and are now 2-2-0-1 against the Cougars this season and 1-2 against them at CN Centre. So far though in two previous double-headers, the teams have split their games, which puts a bit more pressure on Victoria’s shoulders tonight as a loss would put them two points back of the Cougars while having played two more games.
Who’s Up Front:
In five games against the Cougars this season the Royals have been led offensively by the pair of Vladimir Bobylev and Dante Hannoun, each of whom have recorded five points against the Cougars. Bobylev has two goals and three assists while Hannoun has five helpers. After a tough first season in the WHL with Vancouver, Bobylev got a new lease on life when he was selected by the Royals in the CHL Import Draft and with 13 goals and 27 points he certainly has contributed nicely to the Royals depth. Hannoun is in his second season as well in the WHL and has 16 goals, 16 assists and leads all Victoria forwards in plus-minus with +16. Depth is a big strength of this Royals team and these two big contributors to that.
Who’s on D:
The return of Joe Hicketts to the Victoria lineup certainly had a positive impact on the Royals defensively as they were able to use their top four defencemen: Hicketts, Ryan Gagnon, Chaz Reddekkop and Ralph Jarratt steadily throughout the game. On most nights when a team surrenders just one goal against, they’re going to win the game with last night being an exception. Defensively it was by no means a poor game for Victoria, and they should still feel confident and encouraged heading into tonight’s rematch. The Royals will be playing their fourth game in five nights tonight so simplicity and discipline will again be key tonight for the Royals especially on the defensive end.
Who’s in Goal:
Hmm.. What to do, what to do? Do you give the rookie Griffen Outhouse his fourth straight start? He certainly warrants some consideration considering how well he’s played so far this week with a 2-1 record. The argument could easily be made that his best performance of the week came last night in a losing effort in Prince George with 37 saves on 38 shots fired his way. He was THAT good. But on the other hand you’ve got a veteran 20-year-old Coleman Vollrath who is fresh and who has loads of experience against the Cougars, and in a game that for all intents and purposes is a ‘must win’ for Victoria you tend to look to your veterans to lead the way. A tough decision looms for the Royals but either guy gives them a great chance, and they’ll need strong goaltending tonight if they hoop to secure a split.
X-Factor:
As far as an approach to the game is concerned I don’t think either team needs to change much. On some nights the goaltending simply steals the show. The biggest factors tonight for the Royals: Managing fatigue, and managing frustrations. Last night marked the first time in five meetings with Prince George that Victoria did not score first and that’s also a big factor considering how important that first goal is from a confidence standpoint. Tonight the Royals need to manage their fatigue, stay composed and take the crowd out of the game early. If they do those things, they give themselves a solid chance at a split.
PRINCE GEORGE COUGARS
Overview:
Mark Holick’s Prince George Cougars are coming into tonight’s game with a record of 25-14-1-1. Their 52 points put them tied with the Royals for second in the B.C. Division and the Western Conference, but the Cougars do hold the tie-break because of two games in hand. Last season the Cougars didn’t get their 25th victory until game number 62, which means that there’s been a 21 game shift this season for the Cougars to get to this point. It’s a great accomplishment, but don’t think for a single second that anybody in this organization is complacent or satisfied with that statistic. Tonight the Cougars have a big chance to leapfrog the Victoria Royals which would be a hugely significant milestone for this team at the 42 game mark of a 72 game season.
Who’s Up Front:
When the Cougars needed a big goal last night their big line delivered. Jesse Gabrielle knocked home his 26th of the season through the legs of Griffen Outhouse early in the third period to put the Cougars ahead in the game. It was a huge goal from a confidence stand-point as it allowed the Cougars to settle down, stick to their structure and ultimately close the deal with the 1-0 victory. The trio of Brogan O’Brien, Chase Witala and Jesse Gabrielle continue to provide the Cougars with consistent offense, and tonight they’ll be asked to do the same against a desperate Royals team who are going to throw everything they have at the Cougars in all areas of the ice.
Who’s on D:
Collectively the Cougars were terrific on the defensively side of the puck last night, and when there were lapses, Ty Edmonds was there to make saves. But full marks to the Cougars defensively who held a strong offensive club to zero goals against. In their own zone there was very little panic and when the Cougars needed to block shots they did. When they needed a big hit they got one, and when there were mistakes they hustled and were able to get themselves back into proper position to minimize the threat from Victoria’s offense. The message to the Cougars tonight remains the same: Stay structured, stay disciplined and pay the necessary price to protect your zone and your net.
Who’s in Goal:
With 41 saves on 41 shots faced, Ty Edmonds was the clear first star of the night earning his 13th victory of the season along with his third shutout. Edmonds record now sits at 13-7-1-0 with a 2.28 goals-against-average and a league high save percentage of .928. His performance last night was one of his best of the season, and there have sure been some strong contenders. Ty’s confidence is at an all-time high right now, and you’d have to think that he’d have the inside track on getting the start again tonight, which would be his third in a row this week. That said, Nick McBride has beaten Victoria twice this season and will be ready to go if called upon.
X-Factor:
At worst, the Cougars have earned a split and are no worse for wear when they started this weekend. At best the Cougars can earn their fourth home double-header sweep of the season while getting sole possession of second place with two games remaining in hand on Victoria. It’s absolutely the most important game of the season for both clubs, and the heightened urgency will once again have a playoff feel for sure. The biggest key for the Cougars tonight: Stay composed, enjoy the moment and enjoy the opportunity in front of them. This Cougars team is making believers out of a lot of people to this point in the season and tonight’s game provides a real opportunity for the Cougars to once again ‘make their mark’ on the WHL and the City of Prince George in 2015-16.
