The Prince George Cougars were overpowered by special teams Saturday night in Victoria.
All of the Royals’ goals came on the shorthand or on the power-play, lifting them to a 5-1 victory and a sweep of the Cats’ season-opening series 2-0.
Goaltender Taylor Gauthier was unable to get the help he needed on the back end in spite of a 28-save performance.
The first two goals by Victoria both came shorthanded and within four minutes of each other late in the opening frame.
Forward Ethan Browne scored the lone goal for the Cougars, the second of his WHL career, coming in the 14th minute of the first period.
. @PGCougars 's Ethan Browne sends the Victoria Royals spinning with his goal to tie the game!#WHLOpeningWeek pic.twitter.com/hl7tSzlDZY
— The WHL (@TheWHL) September 23, 2018
Matej Toman and Reid Perepeluk were credited with the assists.
Prince George managed to salvage a point in the series, but their record now stands at 0-1-1.
The team will now travel to Kelowna for a game against the Rockets, taking place this Wednesday at 7PM.
The Cougars’ home-opener is slated for Friday, 7PM at the CN Centre.
WATCH:
RECAP: Royals special teams the difference Saturday night. | #NorthernUprising
➡️ https://t.co/n7gdr5kgCl pic.twitter.com/6alEFydqTV
— PG Cougars (@PGCougars) September 23, 2018