The Prince George Cougars had been picking up speed, but then the wheels came out from under them in a 4-2 loss Saturday night against the Tri-City Americans.
Prince George entered the game riding a two-game winning streak following a 44-save performance by Taylor Gauthier the night before against the Spokane Chiefs. Prince George’s starting goaltender managed to stop 28 of the 32 Americans’ shots he faced, earning him third-star honours for the night.
And if a two-game winning streak was looking good for a team that’s been facing its early-season woes, then take note of 20-year-old Josh Maser. The fourth-year Cougar is now riding a four-game scoring streak.
After a scoreless first period, the action heated up in the second frame.
Krystof Hrabik opened the scoring with his first goal of the season. The goal came during a scramble in front of Prince George’s net, assisted by Kyle Olson and Tom Cadieux.
Paycen Bjorklund took a roughing minor at 17:12 second period and Prince George quickly scored on the power play by way of Czech-forward Filip Koffer. The Americans regained their lead a minute later with a goal from Jayden Platz, his first since joining the Tri-City Americans. Sasha Mutala added the game-winner before the end of the second period.
Momentum from the two late second period goals carried into the final frame. Connor Bouchard scored the Americans fourth and final goal at the 1:55 mark.
The Cougars kept themselves in the chase as Josh Maser potted a goal at the 8:42 mark of the third.
Second-year goaltender Talyn Boyko started in net for the first time this season. He earned first star honours stopping 31 of 32 shots faced from the Cougars.
Despite the loss, Prince George showed that they were competitive throughout the game having outshot Tri-City 33 to 31.
The Prince George Cougars will make the trip back to the CN Centre after their trip south of the border. They will host the Spokane Chiefs next Friday and Saturday. Puck drop for both games is 7:00 p.m.