For 57 seconds, the Prince George Cougars had the edge against the Edmonton Oil Kings.
Unfortunately, the Cats found a way to squander another lead on home ice Tuesday night falling 3-2 to the CHL’s sixth-ranked team in front of 1,803 fans at CN Centre.
New York Rangers prospect Matthew Robertson ripped a snapshot past a frozen Taylor Gauthier at 16:45 of the second period, a marker that turned out to be the game-winner.
“The start wasn’t what we wanted as we allowed a goal that shouldn’t have gone in but any road win is a good win but we have to keep the momentum into the next game.”
“It was a nice pass by Williams (Josh) who had a good net presence and I outwaited the guy who was coming out to block it, a good shot and a good thing happened.”
.@EdmOilKings blue liner @M_Robertson15 talks about GWG and 3-2 victory over @PGCougars @CNCentre on Tuesday in @TheWHL action #AllHail #sports #cityofpg #NorthernUprising pic.twitter.com/GykCVRq5eZ
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) November 20, 2019
Edmonton outshot the Cougars 18-7 after the first period but only led 1-0 after a nice individual effort from 17-year-old NHL Draft eligible forward Jake Neighbours.
“I was playing with some good linemates who were working the puck low, taking pucks to the net and that’s what happened on that goal. I got the puck along the goal line, got into the slot, took a shot and it went in. My penalty shot in the third wasn’t as nice but I thought our line worked well tonight.”
.@jake_neighbours chats with @mypgnow after @EdmOilKings edge @PGCougars 3-2 at @CNCentre in @TheWHL action #AllHail #NorthernUprising #cityofpg #sports pic.twitter.com/1sWmfOIRHw
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) November 20, 2019
Prince George responded well to start the middle frame, breaking a 199-minute goalless drought when Mitch Kohner finished off a play from Marco Creta and Tyson Upper to even the game at 1-1.
Later on, Cole Moberg cashed in on an awkward-looking 3-on-0 rush on Oil Kings goaltender Sebastien Cossa jamming home the loose puck that was sitting on top of the Edmonton crease.
Before the Roberston heroics, David Kope put the visitors back on even terms whistling a weak shot past the glove side of Gauthier, an attempt he whiffed on.
The kicker for Prince George in an otherwise solid outing was the less-than-stellar power-play that went 0-for-5.
Head Coach and General Manager Mark Lamb told MyPGNow, the team’s recent offensive struggles are carrying over when they head to the man advantage.
“I thought we were very slow in the first period, we were standing and nobody was supporting so they ended up getting the puck. When we are at our best is when we’re forechecking and when we get into the offensive zone we create a lot of chances.”
.@PGCougars Head Coach and GM Mark Lamb laments on missed opportunities on the PP in 3-2 loss to @EdmOilKings in @TheWHL at @CNCentre #CityofPG #NorthernUprising #sports pic.twitter.com/GMuB8LEtoK
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) November 20, 2019
Nikita Krivokrasov suited up for the first time in a Cougars jersey after being acquired in a trade from the Tri-City Americans this week.
He is the son of former NHL’er Sergei Krivokrasov who played 450 career games with the Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators, Calgary Flames and Minnesota Wild.
The soon to be 19-year-old from Westminster, Colorado had four points in 10 games this season with Tri-City before coming to the northern capital.
The Cougars (4-16-0-2) were outshot 36-24 and won’t have time to dwell on another close loss as they entertain the BC Division-leading Kamloops Blazers (14-7-0-0) Friday and Saturday at CN Centre.
“I think we need to build off the momentum from tonight. We were playing good and fast against a good opponent and we’re going to be up against another good team this weekend, we have to bring it and have a good couple of days of practice,” said Creta.
.@CretaMarco chats post game with @mypgnow after @PGCougars fall 3-2 against @EdmOilKings at @CNCentre on Tuesday in @TheWHL #cityofpg #sports #NorthernUprising pic.twitter.com/oJD8hlC63v
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) November 20, 2019
Prince George has the worst home record in the entire WHL at 2-9-0-1.
To make matters worse, the Cougars have played 10 one-goal games this season, compiling a record of 2-6-0-2.
On the flip side, the Oil Kings improve to 14-4-3-2 on the season leading the Central Division by two points over the Lethbridge Hurricanes (14-6-0-3).
Prior to the victory, Edmonton lost five out of its last six games overall.
The Oil Kings BC Division road swing continues Friday in Victoria.