24 hours removed from a 4-3 shootout victory, the Prince George Cougars are back in action tonight at the CN Centre against the very same Calgary Hitmen team from a night ago. For the second time this season, the Cougars have won the first game of a weekend double header at home, and tonight they’ll look to secure their first weekend home sweep of 2013-2014.

Overview:

Mike Williamson’s Calgary Hitmen are a resilient bunch. They have gone nine straight games without a regulation loss, and last night they managed to claw their way back from a 3-1 deficit to secure a point. They outshot the Cougars 19-4 in the third period, and had it not been for Ty Edmonds, Calgary very easily could have won last night in regulation time. They are 9-3-1-2 and first place in the Eastern Conference.

Who’s Up Front:

20-year-old forward Brady Brassart was excellent for Calgary in last night’s game. Brassart scored Calgary’s second goal, and seemed to get better as the game moved along. Brassart and his linemates Greg Chase and Zane Jones were all over the Cougars in the third period, and it will be important for the Cougars to try and neutralize them this evening.

Who’s on D:

The defensive tandem of Kenton Helgesen and Jaynen Rissling was once again very prominent for Calgary. Both found the score sheet with an assist, and both logged some major minutes in all situations for Calgary. Neither one is overly flashy, but both play the game with a lot of poise and confidence, and you can expect to see a ton of both guys again tonight.

Who’s in Goal:

Chris Driedger was excellent for Calgary in last night’s game. Had it not been for Driedger’s second period heroics, the Cougars could have had a three or four goal cushion heading into the final stanza. The Ottawa Senators prospect might get the night off tonight in favor of the 5-0 Mack Shields, but overall Driedger nor his teammates can feel bad about his performance on Friday night in PG.

X-Factor:

Tonight the Hitmen will be playing their fourth game in five nights. I know that coaches don’t like using fatigue as an excuse, but obviously tonight the Hitmen are going to have to play a smart, responsible and disciplined game. If Calgary can score the first goal and gain some early confidence, it will bode extremely well for them as they try and empty the tank for their final game on this Western road trip.

Overview:

Mark Holick’s Prince George Cougars come into tonight’s game with a 7-7-0-1 record. They are currently ranked seventh in the Western Conference, and are looking to secure points in their fourth straight home game. The Cougars have yet to earn a double header sweep against an opponent this season, and tonight they’ll have their second chance to do so.

Who’s Up Front:

Another game and two more goals on the docket for 18-year-old forward Chase Witala. The third-year forward has now scored eight goals in his past eight games, and has scored at least one goal in four straight. Right now everything just seems to be clicking for Witala who is doing his part by playing the game hard and smart. Can Witala extend his streak tonight? If so, it could mean some good things for the Cougars.

Who’s on D:

Although the Cougars were 4-3 winners last night, Mark Holick was not happy with his team’s attention to detail defensively, especially in the third period. The Calgary Hitmen are a very dangerous offensive team, and that means that for 60 full minutes the defense-corps needs to be alert. Hopefully tonight the Cougars can minimize the shots against, and help provide a little more net support for their goaltender.

Who’s in Goal:

Ty Edmonds had a third period to remember last night for the Prince George Cougars. He faced 19 shots and stopped 18 of them, and at least five of those 19 shots were Grade A chances for Calgary. The 17-year-old rookie netminder continues to turn heads. His 2.24 goals-against-average is fourth best in the WHL and tops among all rookie goaltenders. Another big night from Edmonds could mean another two points for the Cougars.

X-Factor:

18-year-old Import David Soltes dressed in his first game since September 21^st last night, and made an impact when the game mattered most. Soltes had the shootout winner, and looked right at home on a line with Troy Bourke and Chase Witala. Soltes’ return to the lineup had a positive effect on all four lines, and hopefully he can follow up last night’s effort with another strong outing tonight.