This afternoon in Prince George, the Cougars and the Vancouver Giants will renew hostilities for a third time in three days. After losing 2-1 on Friday night in Vancouver, the Prince George Cougars stormed back on Saturday with a 6-0 victory of their own, and now tonight it’s the rubber match and both teams are bound to be ready for battle.

Overview:

Don Hay’s Vancouver Giants head into tonight with a record of 9-24. They are eight points back of the Prince George Cougars for fourth in the B.C. Division, and are 2-8 in their last 10 games. So far this season the Giants are 2-1 against the Cougars, but have been outscored 10-6 in those three games combined.

Who’s Up Front:

Collectively, the Vancouver Giants forwards are going to need to be better tonight in Prince George. Even amidst last night’s struggles, the Giants still boast a roster with several capable offensive contributors. Cain Franson and Trevor Cheek have both scored 11 goals this season for the Giants, and both will need to be a vital part of their offense tonight if the  Giants want to head home with a victory.

Who’s on D:

Defensively the Giants will once again need to rely on their two veterans in Wes Vannieuwenhuizen and Brett Kulak. Last night both had their moments of effectiveness, but both are going to be tasked with some big minutes against the Cougars again tonight.

Who’s in Goal:

In all likelihood, the Giants will go back with 16-year-old Payton Lee in tonight’s game. Lee is 2-0 so far this season against the Cougars, and got the night off last night in favor of Liam Liston. Lee has six of the Giants nine wins this season.

X-Factor:

The big key for the Giants tonight will be to stay disciplined. The Giants certainly let frustration get the best of them at times during last night’s game, and it resulted in a couple of penalties that cost them.

Overview:

Dean Clark’s Prince George Cougars head into tonight with a 3-7 record in their last 10 games, and an overall record of 11-18-1-3. A Cougars victory tonight against Vancouver coupled with an Everett loss to Portland would have the Cougars back in eighth place for the holiday break.

Who’s Up Front:

Second year forward Chase Witala led the way last night with one goal, three assists, and a fight for his first career ‘Gordie Howe’ hat-trick. Witala had missed the seven previous games due to injury, and his return coupled with the fact that Colin Jacobs was also back, certainly helped the Cougars offense get back on track.

Who’s on D:

Dean Clark gave full marks to his defence-core after last night’s game, and specifically mentioned Raymond Grewal for his tireless efforts against the Giants. Grewal just continues to get better and better for the Cougars, and while he only managed an assist on the score sheet, his contributions went way beyond offense. He was excellent against many of the Giants’ top forwards, and Grewal will likely be used in many key situations again tonight for the Cougars.

Who’s in Goal:

Brett Zarowny is red hot right now for the Cougars. The rookie netminder earned his second career WHL shutout in last night’s game, and is now 7-7 with a .905 save percentage on the season. Over his last four starts, Zarowny’s goals against average is 1.50 and his save percentage is .952.

X-Factor:

Tonight is the Teddy Bear and Toque Toss game for the Prince George Cougars, and the earlier the Cougars can score tonight, the better. If the Cougars can score early in the first, and get the potential ‘distraction’ out of the way, it would certainly bode well for them and their offensive confidence. Hopefully a six-goal outing last night leaves them feeling confident and ready for another large offensive output tonight.