The Prince George Spruce Kings didn’t make the same mistake twice against the Chilliwack Chiefs.
After blowing a two-goal lead and dropping a 3-2 shootout decision on Sunday, the Spruce Kings locked it down against the Pod hosts on Wednesday, skating away with a 2-0 victory.
“We shut them down. I think our defensive zone looked pretty good, we were limiting them to outside shots and that is what you have to do against this team. We tried to keep the puck more and not throw it away and I think we did that,” said Christian Buono, Spruce Kings forward.
Aaron Trotter pitched a 22-save shutout for PG to help improve the team’s record to 7-3-0-1, taking over first place in the three-team hub.
Kolton Cousins kick started the offense in the first period beating Chiefs netminder Jakob Gullmes for a 1-0 advantage after 20 minutes.
After a scoreless middle period, the Spruce Kings received that all important insurance marker courtesy of Buono who ripped home a point shot on the power-play.
“Cunny (Corey Cunningham) shot it over the net, it took the rim and we brought the puck to the middle inside the dots and I just wanted to shoot it because earlier in the game I think I passed up a good opportunity to shoot and this one went in off a stick so I am happy it went it,” added Buono.
Need a clutch goal? Call Christian Buono. #TrueBlue pic.twitter.com/cmlfCyirzV
— Prince George Spruce Kings (@SpruceKings) April 22, 2021
PG outshot Chilliwack 26-22.
The Spruce Kings went 1-for-5 on the power-play while the Chiefs went 0-for-2.
“We were taking way too many penalties and we were trying to figure out what the problem was and whenever we win, we take less penalties. Five on five we are a good team and we are strong down low. If we keep taking two or fewer penalties a game we will be pretty hard to beat,” mentioned Buono.
Both teams play again on Saturday with puck drop at 5pm.