In all respects, it was a disastrous night for the Prince George Cougars.
Playing at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena on Friday, the Cats were thrashed 8-0 by the Spokane Chiefs. The loss, coupled with a 6-5 shootout win for the Kamloops Blazers over the Medicine Hat Tigers, dropped the Cougars to eighth place in the WHL's Western Conference standings.
Just a few weeks ago, the Cats looked like a lock to make the playoffs. Now, they're clinging to the last post-season berth. To make matters worse, the Cougars also lost some of their lead on the ninth-place Chilliwack Bruins, who beat the Vancouver Giants 6-4 on Friday.
The Blazers (28-31-3-1) are now one point up on the Cougars (28-31-2-1). As for the Bruins (25-29-2-3), they are four points back and have three games in hand.
The Cougars had a good first few shifts against the Chiefs but were dominated the rest of the way. On the night, they were outshot 47-16.
Spokane moved to 39-17-4-2.
Anthony Bardaro finished with a hat trick for the home side, while other goals went to Steven Kuhn, Tyler Johnson, Matt Marantz, Brenden Kichton and Jared Cowen. The Chiefs led 4-0 after the first period and 7-0 after the second. Ty Rimmer started the game for the Cougars and was replaced by James Priestner after the fifth Spokane goal. Mac Engel went the distance for the Chiefs.
The Cougars are in Everett tonight and Chilliwack on Sunday.
