The Prince George Cougars came out flying in the first period on a promising start to Friday (Jan. 24) clash against Kamloops.
On home ice, the Cats outshot their division rivals in the opening frame, but failed to find the back of the net.
In fact, they weren’t able to solve Dylan Garand from start to finish, resulting in a 3-0 loss to the Blazers last night to start a six-game homestand at the CN Centre.
Taylor Gauthier was the reason Prince George didn’t lose by more than three goals, stopping 40 of 43 shots.
This marks the seventh time this year the 18-year-old has made at least 40 saves or more, including all 15 shots he faced in the second period.
FINAL: @blazerhockey (3) at @PGCougars (0)
— The WHL (@TheWHL) January 25, 2020
STATS 📒 | https://t.co/bXPse15iQw#PGvsKAM pic.twitter.com/A1bGy7xm85
Kamloops’ Josh Pillar and Caeden Bankier had two points on the evening.
Pillar scored the Blazers’ first pair of goals, 9:09 into the contest and 4:46 into the third.
Bankier assisted on Pillar’s opening goal and potted the 3-0 empty-netter to seal the victory.
The loss drops Prince George’s record to 12-25-3-4 and with Seattle’s overtime loss to Kelowna, the Cougars are now nine points back of a wild-card playoff spot.
They wrap up their weekend doubleheader with the Blazers tonight (Jan. 25), 7 p.m. at the CN Centre.
It’s Vegas Night when a wedding will take place during the first intermission.
