Cougars inching closer to playoff berth

The Prince George Cougars may still occupy the Western Hockey League basement, but they’re awfully close to a playoff position.

This weekend, the Cougars have an opportunity to pass one of three other teams battling for the final two postseason berths in the 10-team Western Conference.

In the provincial capital this evening and tomorrow night, the Cougars meet the Victoria Royals in a doubleheader. The Royals occupy the conference’s eighth and final playoff spot with 17 wins, 34 losses, two overtime setbacks and four shootout defeats (17-34-2-4). At 18-35-0-2, the Cats are only two points behind with a pair of games in hand.

Of the other two teams in the hunt, the Seattle Thunderbirds (20-34-1-1) are seventh and Everett Silvertips (15-32-1-8) are ninth. Only four points separate the four teams.

The Cougars are coming off a 3-1 victory over the Eastern Conference’s Red Deer Rebels on Wednesday evening at CN Centre. Defenceman Cody Carlson scored the game winner in the contest, 9:50 into the third period. Forwards Spencer Asuchak and Troy Bourke, into an empty net, also scored for the Cats. Cory Millette replied for Red Deer.

Starting goalie Drew Owsley made 38 saves for the win, as the Rebels outshot the Cougars 39-19. Deven Dubyk took the loss in goal for Red Deer.

Tonight’s game in Victoria starts a four-game road swing for the Cats. They also meet the Portland Winterhawks on Monday and Tuesday before returning home to start a season-long eight-game homestand next Friday against the Royals.