The Seattle Thunderbirds used their size, experience and scoring prowess to manhandle the Prince George Cougars.
The defending WHL champions dumped the Cougars 7-4 to complete a sweep of the doubleheader and the four game season series.
(Seattle took Tuesday’s game 5-2 to go along with earlier 5-1 and 5-3 victories.)
The Thunderbirds, who had eight players in their lineup 6’3″ or taller, improved to 16-6 in their last 22 regular season games in Prince George.
Wednesday night before 2,454 fans at the CN Centre, the Thunderbirds got goals from seven different players as they erased a 3-2 deficit after 20 minutes by scoring twice in the second and three more in the third.
“Their heaviness kind of, I think, hurt us. They played us hard, they hit us everywhere. I don’t think we matched their physicality,” said Cougars Assistant Coach Shawn Chambers on 94.3 the GOAT‘s post-game show.
Taylor Gauthier made 37 saves while Dorin Luding blocked 18 as Seattle outshot Prince George 44-22.
Each team tallied twice on the power play.
Aaron Boyd, Max Kryski, Josh Maser, and Jack Sander scored for the 17-22-4-3 Cougars.
“They are a tough team to play against. They chip the pucks deep, and they are always finishing their checks. You always have to be on your toes and it’s hard, especially in the D zone. They don’t give us a a lot of options,” said Prince George defenceman Ryan Schoettler, who had two assists.
The Cougars, who have slipped eight points behind Spokane for the last wild-card playoff spot, host the Lethbridge Hurricanes Friday and Saturday before playing six straight games in the Prairies.
FINAL: @SeattleTbirds (7) at @PGCougars (4)
SCORING ? | https://t.co/fZHWDtIeP9#PGvsSEA
— The WHL (@TheWHL) January 18, 2018
WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE:
BC DIVISION STANDINGS:
Kelowna, 44 games = 28-13-2-1Â (59 points)
Vancouver, 45 games = 25-14-4-2 (56 points)
Victoria, 46 games = 26-16-3-1Â (56 points)
Prince George, 46 games = 17-22-4-3 (41 points)
Kamloops, 44 games = 18-23-1-2 (39 points)
WESTERN CONFERENCE WILD CARD:
Seattle, 44 games = 22-16-4-2 (50 points)
Spokane, 45 games = 23-19-1-2 (49 points)
Prince George, 46 games = 17-22-4-3 (41 points)
Kamloops, 44 games = 18-23-1-2 (39 points)