The Prince George Cougars have eighth place in the Western Conference back in their sights as they get set for a Saturday rematch against the Vancouver Giants. Last night the Cougars trailed 3-1 and 4-2, but managed three goals in the third period to earn a 6-4 win. What will tonight’s rematch have in store?

Overview:

Don Hay’s Vancouver Giants were ready to play last night, and boy did it show in the first period. The Giants had a 3-1 lead after one period, and provided a tough test for the Cougars through 60 minutes. The Giants are 13-41-0-0 heading into tonight’s game, and are 16 points back of Prince George for fourth in the B.C. Division.

Who’s Up Front:

Since joining the Vancouver Giants at the 2012 WHL trade deadline, 20-year-old forward Brendan Rouse has seemingly fit right in. He has four goals and eight points in 11 games as a Giant, and is now just one point shy of 40 for the season. Rouse scored his 10^th of the season last night in the first period.

Who’s on D:

2013 draft hopeful Mason Geertsen can do a little bit of everything. He can shoot, pass, defend and hit with the best of them. The former Edmonton Oil King was recently ranked as the 55^th top North American skater by Central Scouting, and will almost certainly be scooped up by an NHL club at the next draft. Geertsen is as tough as they come, and you know that he will be ready to go tonight for Vancouver.

Who’s in Goal:

Last night Jared Rathjen got the call for Vancouver which likely means that Payton Lee will get the nod tonight for Don Hay’s team. The 16-year-old Lee has two wins this season against Prince George, and will look to lead his team to a weekend split at the CN Centre. Jared Rathjen started last night’s game and stopped 36 of the 42 shots he faced.

X-Factor:

The Vancouver Giants finished last night’s game two-for-three on the power play. Their power play success was a direct result of fast and accurate puck movement. The Giants will need similar success on the man advantage tonight.

Overview:

Mark Holick’s Prince George Cougars head into tonight’s game just one point back of the eighth placed Seattle Thunderbirds in the Western Conference standings. With 17 games remaining, the Cougars (for the moment) control their immediate playoff destiny. A win tonight at home against Vancouver coupled with a Seattle loss at home to Calgary would move the Cougars back into the top eight of the standings for the first time since late November.

Who’s Up Front:

In five games against Vancouver this season, Jari Erricson has scored four times. He along with Caleb Belter and Zach Pochiro were arguably the Cougars most consistent forwards during last night’s win. Erricson led all Cougars with two goals and an assist. Another big night from these three would certainly go a long way for the Cougars tonight.

Who’s on D:

The youth was on full display last night for the Cougars defensively as both Jordan Harris (16-years-old) and Michael Mylchreest (17-years-old) both recorded two-point games for the Cougars. With Jordan Harris and Marc McNulty both back and healthy, it has created a bit of a log-jam defensively for the Cougars who have eight guys who are ready, but only six available spots, which is a nice problem for the coaching staff to have.

Who’s in Goal:

Needing a spark after the first period, Mark Holick decided to pull Mac Engel in favor of 16-year-old rookie Ty Edmonds. Edmonds came in and stopped 18 of the 19 shots he faced, earning his first ever WHL victory in the process. Edmonds made 13 saves in the third period when the game was either tied or favoring the Cougars, and will certainly gain some confidence from last night’s result. Does Mark Holick go back to Mac Engel tonight, or will the youngster get a second look?

X-Factor:

Tonight the Prince George Cougars will need to make sure that they are ready to battle from the drop of the puck. They responded well after the first period and a 3-1 deficit, but it’s not a habit that the Cougars want to continue with. If the Cougars can take an early lead again, and hold onto it through the first period, the entire group is likely to benefit from that type of confidence.