In a game that ultimately meant nothing, the Cougars sent 5189 Blazers fans home unhappy, snapping Kamloops’ 12-game home winning streak with a 7-2 blowout victory.
It was Kamloops’ regular season home closer, puck drop was delayed for about 20 minutes while team awards were handed out.
When the game did get going, it was Kamloops’ Connor Levis that started things off under two minutes in.
The Cougars would storm back, scoring three goals in the final ten minutes of the first, including what would stand as the game-winner with just five seconds left.
An incredibly satisfying 15 seconds capped off by Caden Brown🥰 https://t.co/vGJtCcdusM pic.twitter.com/hd975pDuVd
— x – Prince George Cougars (@PGCougars) March 25, 2023
Up 3-1 after one, the Cougars did not let off. Koehn Ziemmer scored his 41st of the year on the rush at 5:06, and Blake Eastman sealed the deal shorthanded at 11:21.
Just straight up having a great time 😁 https://t.co/EzEfpJXGvd pic.twitter.com/lx3S3Cb3De
— x – Prince George Cougars (@PGCougars) March 25, 2023
Zac Funk kept it going in the third period with his 8th goal in eight games, the Cougars 6th unanswered goal.
Caedan Bankier scored for the Blazers at 9:50, Arjun Bawa answered back with under five minutes to play.
Seven different scorers connected for the Cougars, showcasing depth that will be much needed come playoff time.
PG outshot Kamloops 37-36, killing all four penalties they took (all in the second period), while missing on their one opportunity.
Ty Young made numerous big saves throughout the game, outperforming Dylan Ernst in the opposite crease.
The win boosts the Cougars’ record to 36-24-6-1, and 7-0-2-1 in their last 10.
Kamloops slides to 48-13-4-2.
Both teams were completely locked in to their playoff positions and matchups before the puck dropped, making the game ultimately meaningless.
They will rematch tonight for the Cougars’ home closer, which will feature the return of the retro diamond logo jerseys and a mega 50/50 jackpot that starts at a guaranteed $30,000.
Playoffs begin next week, the Cougars will host the Tri-City Americans on Friday and Saturday for games 1 and 2 of the opening round.
For the game’s boxscore, click here.