The Prince George Cougars playoff hopes are still alive, albeit barely after a difficult 4-2 loss to the Spokane Chiefs on Friday night at home. The Cougars took a 2-0 lead into the third period before surrendering four unanswered goals, and losing for just the third time all season in regulation when leading after two periods. Todd Fiddler and Troy Bourke had goals for Prince George while Reid Gow had three assists in response for Spokane who earned their 37th victory of the season.

After a scoreless first period the Cougars took charge in the second period scoring twice within the first 10 minutes.

First it was Troy Bourke who re-directed home a shot from Alex Forsberg in the high slot. Bourke’s 27th of the season moved him within three points of the all-time franchise lead for points.

Just over six minutes later Todd Fiddler padded the lead to 2-0 when he raced by Reid Gow, and snuck a backhand shot past goaltender Garrett Hughson for his team-high 46th goal.

The Cougars kept coming with chances, but Hughson was able to keep the door shut, and the Cougars went into the third outshooting Spokane 24-20 and outscoring them 2-0.

Early in the third Spokane went on the power play and made it 2-1 when Adam Helewka snuck a shot past Ty Edmonds in the slot. Then a minute and 16 seconds later Mike Aviani tapped home a pass from Mitch Holmberg, and just like that the game was tied.

Garrett Hughson made a huge save off of Alex Forsberg at around the mid-way point of the third to keep the game tied at two, and then moments later the Chiefs took their first and only lead when Keanu Yamamoto knocked home a Reid Gow rebound for his 10th goal of the season.

 Mike Aviani would add an empty-netter to complete Spokane’s comeback.

The loss comes as a major blow for the Cougars who could have moved within two points of Tri-City thanks to their loss to Everett. But instead the Cougars remain four points back of Tri-City with only three games remaining in their season.

All hope is not lost though as the Cougars still have three games remaining, and a potential six-point swing. Tri-City currently holds a four-point lead on the Cougars with five games remaining in their season.

Should the Cougars win their remaining three games, it would mean that the Americans would have to go a maximum of 1-4 in order to force a one-game single elimination playoff game.

Saturday the Cougars will welcome Spokane for the rematch while the Americans head to Kelowna.