Tonight in Prince George, the Prince George Cougars (7-9-1-1) will once again face the Edmonton Oil Kings (12-5-1-2) in the second of back-to-back meetings this weekend. Last night the Oil Kings prevailed with a 4-2 victory, with the fourth goal coming into an empty net. A three goal first period was the difference for Edmonton, and the Cougars will look to bounce back this evening.

Overview:

The 2012 WHL champs come into tonight’s game with a 7-2-0-1 record in their last 10 games. They trail the Calgary Hitmen by two points in the Central Division and have the third best overall record in the Eastern Conference.

Who’s Up Front:

The offensive hero last night for Edmonton was 20-year-old forward T.J. Foster. Foster scored once, and added two assists for the Oil Kings. In addition to his offense, Foster killed penalties, made strong decisions with the puck, and generally made life difficult for the Cougars throughout the game. Foster has 11 goals and 25 points which is second only to Michael St. Croix.

Who’s on D:

The tandem of Cody Corbett and Griffin Reinhart were easily the most effective defenseman for Edmonton in last night’s game. Both recorded two points each, and both played a ton against the top forwards of Prince George. Reinhart scored the empty-netter which ultimate clinched the win for Edmonton in the third period.

Who’s in Goal:

The first star in last night’s game was Edmonton netminder Laurent Brossoit. He faced 40 shots and stopped 38 of them, many of which were Grade A chances from the Cougars. Does Brossoit get the ‘go’ again tonight? Or does coach Derek Laxdal start backup goaltender Tristan Jarry?

X-Factor:

The Edmonton Oil Kings showed last night why they are considered to be one of the elite teams in the WHL. They found a way to protect a one-goal lead with the game on the line in the third period. They are a veteran-laden team with a ton of experience in difficult circumstances, and that experience pays off during close one-goal games.  Granted their goaltender had a ton to do with their success last night, but if Edmonton gets a lead, they are awfully difficult to beat. Finding a way to make Edmonton play from behind will be a major key for the Cougars in tonight’s rematch.

Overview:

Dean Clark’s Prince George Cougars are still just two points back of third place Victoria in the B.C. Division and six points ahead of the fifth placed Vancouver Giants.

Who’s Up Front:

Brett Roulston has scored goals now in three consecutive games. The 18-year-old rookie from Whitehorse, YT has four goals now on the season, and all of Roulston’s goals seem to be scored in clutch situations. Roulston is the third Cougar this season to score in three straight games, and he might be the first to score in four should be score tonight.

Who’s on D:

All-in-all it was a decent outing for the Cougars defensively in last night’s game. Yes they lost 4-2, but they held a powerful Oil Kings team to just 29 shots, and after the first period really did a good job of limiting their quality chances. A similar effort from this team defensively tonight would be huge for this team’s confidence.

Who’s in Goal:

It was a tough night for Cougars netminder Brett Zarowny who was pulled after the first period after he gave up three goals on nine shots. Mac Engel came in, and pitched a shutout for the next two periods, and for a fourth straight game provided the Cougars with a sense of calmness and confidence between the pipes. Goaltending is likely going to be a major focal point again in tonight’s game.

X-Factor:

The Cougars head into tonight’s game with some question-marks up front, given some of the injuries that appeared to take place in last night’s game. But the Cougars can’t get caught up in worrying about who isn’t playing, but rather they need to step up and find a way with the personnel that they do have. The Cougars stuck with the game-plan last night, and nearly earned the victory. A similar performance tonight will put them in an excellent position to win.