Tonight in Prince George, the Cougars will take aim at their weekend sweep of the 2013-2014 season. Last night the Cougars outscored Kamloops 9-5 in a game that featured little in the way of timely saves or defensive awareness. That said, the Cougars were back in the win column and tonight will look to build some confidence and win back-to-back games for the first time since early October.
 

OVERVIEW:

Dave Hunchak's Kamloops Blazers have now dropped four straight meetings against the Prince George Cougars after winning the first matchup back on September 27th. The Blazers and Cougars have both had tons of trouble keeping the puck out of their net this season, and while on most nights five goals for should be enough to win, last night it was not the case for the Blazers. Their record of 10-26-2-2 has them ranked 10th in the Western Conference and fifth in the B.C. Division.

WHO'S UP FRONT:

Despite his team being outscored 9-5, Blazers forward Cole Ully still made his presence felt in a positive way. Ully had two assists, and was a +1 for Kamloops and now leads all Blazers with seven points in four games this season against the Cougars. Ully is never afraid to go into the tough areas to make plays, and he's got strong vision and a deceptive shot. Expect him to once again be a big factor for Kamloops tonight.

WHO'S ON D:

18-year-old defenceman Ryan Rehill chipped in with a goal and an assist in last night's game for Kamloops. The 2014 draft eligible defenceman now has two goals, 11 points and leads all Kamloops blueliners with a +6 rating. Earlier this season, Rehill was begged in NHL Central Scouting's 'Ones to Watch' List, and when you watch him play you can see why. He's got size, poise and it doesn't hurt that he's a right handed shot as well.

WHO'S IN GOAL:

Last night was a forgettable result for both Taran Kozun and Bolton Pouliot. Kozun surrendered five goals on 15 shots faced, while Pouliot turned aside 26 of the 30 pucks fired his way in relief. For Pouliot it was his first game back after being sidelined with a lengthy injury, and probably played well enough to warrant the start here tonight in the rematch. But maybe Dave Hunchak will choose to go back with Kozun who does have the team's lone victory this season against Prince George.

X-FACTOR:

Do not underestimate the pride of the Kamloops Blazers. Sure their record is where it is, but if anybody thinks that the Blazers are going to roll over tonight and settle for a similar result is kidding themselves. Keep in mind that the Cougars have not sweeped a team at home yet this season, and also consider the fact that did score five goals themselves in a losing cause. If the Blazers can fix a few things defensively and get an early lead, the Cougars are in for a much tougher night.

OVERVIEW:

Mark Holick's Prince George Cougars did their part last night securing their 15th victory of the season. Unfortunately for the Cougars, the Tri-City Americans did their part too in beating Portland 5-1. Heading into action tonight, Prince George remains five points back of Tri-City and have played in one more game already. The Americans are idle tonight, meaning the Cougars MUST secure some points in order to inch a little closer and put some pressure back on the eighth placed Americans. The Cougars are six points ahead of their point progress from a season ago, but given the parity of the Western Conference, it still has them on the outs of the playoff picture.

WHO'S UP FRONT:

As Klarc Wilson inches closer to 300 games played in the WHL, he accomplished a career first in last night's tilt with Kamloops. Wilson scored three times earning his first career WHL hat trick. Wilson's 29 points this season are already a new career high for him, and he is now one of only two remaining Cougars (the other being Jordan Tkatch) who have dressed in all 41 games for the Cougars so far this season. Hopefully tonight can be another strong night for Wilson and his linemates Zach Pochiro and Todd Fiddler.

WHO'S ON D:

Despite only recording a single assist, Cougars defenceman Raymond Grewal put forth his second straight strong game. Grewal was sidelined for the past month or so with a lower body injury, and upon his return he looks like he has rediscovered the form that made him such a standout during his rookie season a year ago. Grewal is at his best when he simplifies his game, and provided Grewal can continue to make the smart plays in his own zone while chipping in offensively from time to time, the coaching staff will not hesitate to use him in all situations.

WHO'S IN GOAL:

While last night's game sheet wouldn't be one that Ty Edmonds would laminate and frame, a win is a win. The 17-year-old rookie grabbed his 12th victory of the season, and was particularly sharp in the first half of the game. Like the rest of the team, it will be important for Edmonds to build off of the positives from last night's win. Rebound control, lateral movement and being able to find pucks through traffic will all be key tonight for Edmonds who will look to get back to .500 with a win tonight.

X-FACTOR;

In just two meetings against the Kamloops Blazers this season, Todd Fiddler has tallied six goals and 10 points. Thanks to his third hat trick of the season, Fiddler now leads the Cougars in goal soring with 19, and tops the team with 43 points. Fiddler has proven this season that when he wants too, he can dominate games offensively. Hopefully tonight is another big night for Fiddler as the Cougars look to secure two incredibly valuable points on home ice.