Everett Strike First Against the Cougars

By 250 Sports

The Everett Silvertips handed the Prince George Cougars a first loss this Western Hockey League post-season with a 3-2 victory over the Cats at the Everett Events Centre. Three second period goals powered the Silvertips to a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven WHL Western Conference semi-final.  The Cougars out chanced Everett in the opening period but could not beat ‘Tips goalie Leland Irving on three power play opportunities. A poor clearing attempt landed on the stick of Brennan Sonne who beat a surprised Scott Bowles to give Everett a 1-0 lead 1:41 into the second period. The Silvertips made it 2-0 when Peter Mueller’s shot on the power play got passed a screened Bowles at 13:29. Everett was once again awarded for carrying the play in the middle frame as ex-Cougar Dan Gendur pounced on rebound at 19:07 of the second period to give Everett a 3-0 lead after 40 minutes. Devin Setoguchi, with is sixth goal of the playoffs, pulled the Cougars within 3-1 at 7:16 of third period. Shortly after Prince George was held scoreless for the eighth time on the power play Vladimir Mihalik was credited with a Cougars goal at 15:16 when the puck went off Gendur into the Everett net. Trailing 3-2 with Bowles on the bench for an extra attacker and the Cougars on the power play, Prince George swarmed the Silvertips net but could not find the equalizer.  Leland Irving made  22 saves for the Silvertips, Scott Bowles, in his first playoff appearance for the Cougars this post-season stopped 31 shots.  Cougars head coach Drew Schoneck said 2 mental mistakes cost the Cats.

 Game Two in the best-of-seven goes Saturday night at 7:05 before the series moves to Prince George for games three and four, Tuesday and Wednesday respectfully at CN Centre.

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