Rough start to weekend

• The Prince George Cougars aren't about to throw up the white flag and surrender in their quest for a BC Division title. The Cougars moved within seven points of the Kelowna Rockets for second place in the division with a 4-2 win Friday night at the CN Centre. The Cougars had jump and jam to their game, handing the Rockets their first loss in eight games.

• The Cougars were the better team on this night and were full marks for a 4-0 lead after 40 minutes. I thought the Rockets finally found their game late in the second period following a unsuccessful and short 5 on 3. While the Rockets didn't score, they created some good chances and carried the play into the second intermission.

• Ty Rimmer didn't receive a star Friday night, but the Prince George goaltender was a difference maker. A great glove hand save on Zach Franko late in the second period was just one of the solid stops he made. A nice pad save on Tyson Barrie in the third period on a failed wrap around also proved large, as the Rockets attempted to battle back.

• Zak Stebner scored on a sharp angle chip shot to break Rimmer's shutout bid, but even that softy didn't change my view that the Cougars goaltender was one of the best players on the ice.

• The best save of the game may have come from Rockets goaltender Jordon Cooke. Shorthanded, Cougars forward Troy Bourke skated hard inside the Rockets zone, moved quickly past a flat footed Brett Bulmer and deked around goaltender Jordon Cooke. The only blemish in Bourke's effort was the tremendous right pad save Cooke made to keep the puck out.

• Among the forwards, Evan Bloodoff and Cody Chikie showed good jump. But outside of those two, it was a tough night. Geordie Wudrick didn't play at all in the third period after taking two questionable penalties in the second. That was just another sign that it was a rough night for the visitors.

• As small as the crowds have been in Prince George this season, you have to applaud them for showing their appreciation for the Cougars efforts. A good portion of them stood up and clapped after the second period buzzer sounded after a solid display of goaltender and a strong penalty kill.

• The win snapped the Cougars six game losing streak against the Rockets. Kelowna still leads the seasonal series with six wins and two losses.
• Max Adolph returned to the lineup after missing ten games with injury.
• Mitchell Callahan sat out the game after receiving a hit to the head Wednesday against Chilliwack.