Not Dead Yet

[TwoBits]

Well, here we all thought our playoff hopes would be dashed this weekend. :laugh:

With the win against the Bruins and Vancouver being sweethearts and beating both Kamloops and Chilliwack this weekend.......

Do you think a 10 game winning streak is too much to ask for? :skeptical

I wonder what Swanson is going to write about now? I'm sure he had his story written and his finger on the send button. You're going to have to save that story a little while longer Jimmy Boy!!!! :)

[the flying moose]

The past few games have showed that anything is possible. With Cyr playing like Cyr again and everyone else stepping up nothing would surprise me about this group right now.

[TwoBits]

Well I guess anything is possible. I'm the one with the pink glasses right. :laugh:

But......

We not only need a 10 game winning streak, we need Kamloops/Chill to have a 10 game losing steak. vci11 They are both going on the Eastern swing.....that's what 6 games?

In any case, we would need a lot of outside help. :D I still think it would be cool to have a deciding game their very last game between PG and Kamloops. If you haven't already noticed, I'm a dreamer.

[PLAYER]

Well I guess anything is possible. I'm the one with the pink glasses right. :laugh: If you haven't already noticed, I'm a dreamer.

I am with you two bits.... I am a dreamer too, remember I am the one who wants Mucha to move to PG..... here's to the cougars play off run.... cheers!

:groovy:

[TwoBits]

Everybody reading this must think we're nuts. :spineyes:

[the flying moose]

Not sure about Chilliwack but the way Kamloops is playing lately I could fully see them go on a big losing streak. It would be nice to see the team play another home game past March 8th here.

[TwoBits]

Yes, things look like they are starting to slide for Kamloops. And it's tough out here in the East. ;)

As bad as things got for PG, not once did we say our team sucked. haha If I were a Kamloops fan I'd start a new thread just to get that off of there.

[scamperdog]

Yes, things look like they are starting to slide for Kamloops. And it's tough out here in the East. ;)

As bad as things got for PG, not once did we say our team sucked. haha If I were a Kamloops fan I'd start a new thread just to get that off of there.
this weekend even PG would have killed kamloops, follow the blazers and guess what you will being saying the same thing!!

[TwoBits]

this weekend even PG would have killed kamloops, follow the blazers and guess what you will being saying the same thing!!

Oh come on now, have you seen the standings? Suck it up and go cheer for your team. :thumb: You think this weekend was tough, it ain't going to get any easier here out East.

[WestLEAFfan]

this weekend even PG would have killed kamloops, follow the blazers and guess what you will being saying the same thing!!

C'mon, be a true fan through thick and thin! vc124 Be a dreamer! Hey, I'm planning the MEMORIAL CUP parade route for the COUGARS and it comes right through downtown Morin Lake, SK. vci34 And, didn't you here the MIGHTY TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS are winning the STANLEY CUP this year? haha

[WestLEAFfan]

Everybody reading this must think we're nuts. :spineyes:

Nuts, no, but insanely optimistic, yes! You know what TwoBits, the LEAF NATION could use a loyal supporter like you! If I had to guess, I'd say you probably cheered for those horrible HABS, SENS, or FLAMES! Come over to the light, or should I say Blue and white! :D

[WestLEAFfan]

The past few games have showed that anything is possible. With Cyr playing like Cyr again and everyone else stepping up nothing would surprise me about this group right now.

I wonder how difficult it must be to keep motivated these days? The coaching staff/vets must be doing a good job. It's nice to see that there is still pride to play for. I know for one thing, CYR is no quitter.

[WestLEAFfan]

http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=118710&Itemid=564


Cougars end lengthy losing streak
(Sports) Sunday, 17 February 2008, 23:24 PST
JIM SWANSON, Citizen Sports Editor
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Put the unlucky numbers 7 and 13 to bed.

Replace them with 50, 326, and 1. Today, the 1 might grow to 2.

The Prince George Cougars snapped a seven-game losing streak, and a winless slide of 13 straight on the road, with Saturday’s 5-4 victory over the host Chilliwack Bruins.

The triumph was a tribute to veterans. Real Cyr stopped 38 shots for his 50th win in the WHL -- he’s 9-23-3 in his final season as a Cat -- and Greg Gardner, playing in his 326th regular-season game, had a goal and two assists. With a dozen games to go, Gardner is 10 games back of Chris Falloon’s franchise record of 336 games -- Gardner passed Eric Hunter (323 games) for second all-time when the Cougars lost 4-2 on home ice to the Bruins last Wednesday.

“That was one of Gardner’s best games,” said Cougars head coach Drew Schoneck.

“As a team, we played well. They stormed us early on and we knew they would. I’m proud of our guys, they’ve been great through (the losing streak). There is a difference between losing, and losing in a way where you didn’t compete. For the first couple games after the trade deadline we had games where we lost because we didn’t compete at all, but that hasn’t been the case lately.”

Nick Holden, who had two goals, opened the scoring, but the Cougars bounced back to lead after 20 minutes on goals by Brad Riege and Jordie Deagle -- the latter with his third of the season and first since Oct. 20.

The Cougars also outscored the Bruins 2-1 in the second period, giving up a game-tying marker to Jaden Potter before Parker Stanfield -- he has four goals in as many games -- and Gardner gave the Cats a two-goal lead heading to the third.

Holden made it a one-goal game at 5:43 of the final period. Dana Tyrell’s 23rd of the season restored the cushion at 11:03, an important goal because Randy McNaught scored with 3:57 to play.

Cyr held the fort in the final minutes. He had to be sharp, facing 19 shots in the last period.

“He made key saves -- he stopped Ryan Howse on a penalty shot and Oscar Moller on a breakaway,” said Schoneck, noting the pressure is off Cyr because he knows he’ll be in goal as long as Ian Curtis (shoulder) is out of action.

“Those were big. Other than that, he was just regular Real, made the first save and gave us a chance to win. He knows he’s going to play and I think he’s relaxed. He’s more back to the Real we saw last year on a day-to-day basis, and he’s finally got himself outside of his own head.”

Schoneck is happy to finally see results from the hard work this team, the youngest in the WHL, has been putting in since the trade deadline five weeks ago.

“I’m happy for our guys that they played well and finally got a win for it,” said Schoneck.

“We needed to win a close one. It’s been a tough go recently, sure. I’ve tried to look at it not from my side of things, but from the players’ perspective -- how a player would view (the struggles). We preach a plan, hard work, shoot pucks and stay out of the box, and we’ve been slowly doing that more consistently the last three weeks and hadn’t seen any results.

“It’s only natural to start to question if that’s the right thing to do, but for the players it’s nice to finally see that come through. God bless this group, they’re resilient, and they see the improvement we’re making as a team.”

The Cougars have a chance to increase their one-game winning streak to two today with a rare afternoon contest. The Cats (16-40-1-3) are in Portland for a President’s Day matinee, facing the only WHL club with a worse record.

“We have an opportunity to continue how we played Saturday, and we consider this a very winable game,” said Schoneck, whose team is 1-2 against the Hawks (9-49-1-1) this season.

“I’m sure (Portland) has this date circled as well. I’m sure they’re going to want to come after us, but I like the way our guys are going right now.”

Portland’s last win? Try Jan. 16, a 3-2 shootout victory at CN Centre.

The Cougars, who could wind up with the second-worst record in team history, are still clinging to faint but unrealistic hopes of a playoff berth. With a dozen games to go, Prince George could still catch either Kamloops or Chilliwack, but would have to win every remaining game while one of those teams loses all their games. Kamloops lost twice on the weekend, while the Bruins dropped a 5-0 game in Vancouver on Sunday -- the Giants are 7-0-1-1 in that head-to-head series.

After today’s game, the Cougars’ road trip ends with a Wednesday stop in Seattle. The Cats are home to Edmonton, the first visit of the expansion Oil Kings, on Friday.

n Schoneck had high praise for 15-year-old prospect Greg Fraser, who made his debut with the Cougars in Friday’s loss in Vancouver. The Nanaimo product is playing major midget hockey for the North Island Silvertips, and despite being slight at five-foot-nine and 150 pounds, caught the coach’s eye.

“He was excellent,” said Schoneck.

“I was impressed with his maturity level, but I was also impressed with his positional play. I don’t know if that’s the coaching he’s had or if it’s something he takes pride in, for a young guy he was very good in his own zone. He blocked a shot in the third period, and did a lot of little things most young players don’t do. He also had our first scoring chance of the game, so he looked good in the offensive end.”

Well TwoBits, "jimmy boy" must have heard you or read your post. He is nothing but pleasant in this article! A good read for sure. Nice job Prince George Citizen/Mr. Swanson.

[TwoBits]

Nuts, no, but insanely optimistic, yes! You know what TwoBits, the LEAF NATION could use a loyal supporter like you! If I had to guess, I'd say you probably cheered for those horrible HABS, SENS, or FLAMES! Come over to the light, or should I say Blue and white! :D

It would have to be a frosty day in hell before that would happen. :laugh: Besides, my favourite colour is red, so I'll keep cheering for the Cougars and the FLAMES!!! Why don't you have a little loyalty and cheer for a team in the west?



Well TwoBits, "jimmy boy" must have heard you or read your post. He is nothing but pleasant in this article! A good read for sure. Nice job Prince George Citizen/Mr. Swanson

Oh, don't worry, I'm sure he has a nasty one ready to go.

[WestLEAFfan]

It would have to be a frosty day in hell before that would happen. :laugh: Besides, my favourite colour is red, so I'll keep cheering for the Cougars and the FLAMES!!! Why don't you have a little loyalty and cheer for a team in the west?
Oh, don't worry, I'm sure he has a nasty one ready to go.

Geez, tht's the nastiest I've ever read from you TwoBits! Someone poop in your vector this AM? vci11

[dondo]

sorry to burst your bubble TB -- but you play us three more times... :D :thumb:

[TwoBits]

sorry to burst your bubble TB -- but you play us three more times... :D :thumb:

I was wondering how long it was going to take some Vancouver fan to come rain on our parade. :D

Heh, I don't think Vancouver is exempt from a little bad luck. If that doesn't work, I think you guys should throw a couple for us and get the Kamloops fans even more excited. :thumb:

Not sure how much longer we'll be able to ride the playoff run talk. After that, all we'll be able to talk about is being spoilers for other teams' spot in the standings.

[dondo]

yup -- there's a reason we play the games .. if it was just numbers and mathematical equations there would be no reason to actually drop the puck. I expect PG will play us tougher at the CN Centre, but I still think its unlikely that we lose three to PG.

but keep your dreams alive TB -- that's what being a real fan is all about -- good times, bad times and in between times. The probability might be slim but the possibility is always there.

[the flying moose]

but keep your dreams alive TB -- that's what being a real fan is all about -- good times, bad times and in between times. The probability might be slim but the possibility is always there.

yup. we really need more real fans in PG. it must be really discouraging for the guys to come out to a quarter full arena. win, lose or draw that building should be packed to the rafters every game. people still make comments to me when i tell them im going to a cougars game.

[TwoBits]

Whahoooooooooo!!! :groovy:

Good Job Team! :clap:

Cyr had another great game, 1st Star vci22 .

Some might say big whup, you beat Portland, but we couldn't take them lightly, they beat us at home.

Was anybody able to listen to the game, I realize not everyone is as lucky as us Saskatchewanians, we have a provincial stat holiday today. :D

I was totally and completely impressed with Ian Curtis' colour job. This kid is amazingly well spoken for a 17 year old.

[the flying moose]

its looks like cyr, sagert and gardner don't want to end their WHL careers on a bad note. good job guys.

[TwoBits]

The young guys are stepping up too. Riege got 2 points and the Top Cat award. There were many honourable mentions to the defense.

Now if only D. Tyrell could get his groove back. Come on Dana we need you buddy. clrkth

[TwoBits]

Any thoughts on Seattle?

I'm not sure what to think, we've only faced them once and lost, but it was soon after the trade deadline.

Maybe they'll take us lightly and play the backup goalie, that might help.

Keeping my fingers crossed.

[PLAYER]

The back up for seattle ??? Jacob De Sarres? check out his save percentage he has been playing better than the starting first round draft pick goalie.... Seattle is a sleeper. ...I love PG but I love watching Jacob De Sarres play... he is very solid.

[old_time_hockey]

Well I guess anything is possible. I'm the one with the pink glasses right. :laugh:

But......

We not only need a 10 game winning streak, we need Kamloops/Chill to have a 10 game losing steak. vci11 They are both going on the Eastern swing.....that's what 6 games?

In any case, we would need a lot of outside help. :D I still think it would be cool to have a deciding game their very last game between PG and Kamloops. If you haven't already noticed, I'm a dreamer.

Well if the Bruins only bring as much as they did last night the rest of the way, them going on a prolonged skid isn't out of the question.

They just totally looked like the didn't want to be there.

[TwoBits]

The back up for seattle ??? Jacob De Sarres? check out his save percentage he has been playing better than the starting first round draft pick goalie.... Seattle is a sleeper. ...I love PG but I love watching Jacob De Sarres play... he is very solid.

I checked the goalie stats after I posted and realized, there really is no #1 in Seattle and they are both good. Darn.

Well, I guess all I can do is keep my fingers crossed. Crazier things have happened heh?


Oldtimehockey:


Well if the Bruins only bring as much as they did last night the rest of the way, them going on a prolonged skid isn't out of the question.

They just totally looked like the didn't want to be there.

They were probably just stunned from losing to PG. :D

[old_time_hockey]

Just checked the score sheet from the Monday afternoon game in Portland (who scheduled that?). Cougars did everything. Cyr with 40 saves and even notched a SH goal. I mean yes it is Portland, but you have to figure this is a game that the Hawks went....alright, this is going to be the match up that we are going to lay a beating on someone.

[PLAYER]

don't give up two bits! PG is hungrier than Seattle. I have watched Seattle play all season. Riku Helenuius is the starting goalie and goes to Tampa Bay next season- De Sarres gets put in for Riku when he loses interest.... I think that Real is hungrier than anyone and a good show could put him somewhere for next season..... I think seattle has better coaching than PG so that could put Seattle above PG- who can argue with Rob Sumnets and Jim McTaggert? they are great... but Real is hungry.... a lot can be said for that. I will try to be at the Key Arena to watch PG vs Seattle.... clrkthj

[TwoBits]

don't give up two bits! PG is hungrier than Seattle. I have watched Seattle play all season. Riku Helenuius is the starting goalie and goes to Tampa Bay next season- De Sarres gets put in for Riku when he loses interest.... I think that Real is hungrier than anyone and a good show could put him somewhere for next season..... I think seattle has better coaching than PG so that could put Seattle above PG- who can argue with Rob Sumnets and Jim McTaggert? they are great... but Real is hungry.... a lot can be said for that. I will try to be at the Key Arena to watch PG vs Seattle.... clrkthj


Oh, I'm not giving up, just getting nervous.

Real seems very solid and his guys are playing well in front of him. I'm not going to be home to listen, maybe that's the best for my nerves. :spineyes:

Oldtime, the weird schedule is due to there being a National holiday in the US today.

[PLAYER]

I was at the Everett/Seattle game sat night. Evt won 8-4..... first time all season Evt beat Seattle...Riku Helenius let in 7 goals... He got pulled after the second period. Seattle played sloppy. De Sarres came in and had 18 shots on goal in the third and only let one in..... I think if PG brings their A game and Seattle has the same sort of sloppy play PG can take home a win...I was disappointed as I love anyone who can beat the Silvertips at their home ice.......I am rooting for PG on this one.... go cougs!!!

[dondo]

Just checked the score sheet from the Monday afternoon game in Portland (who scheduled that?).

President's day in the US today OTH -- so for them it was a holiday game.

[TwoBits]

I was at the Everett/Seattle game sat night. Evt won 8-4..... first time all season Evt beat Seattle...Riku Helenius let in 7 goals... He got pulled after the second period. Seattle played sloppy. De Sarres came in and had 18 shots on goal in the third and only let one in..... I think if PG brings their A game and Seattle has the same sort of sloppy play PG can take home a win...I was disappointed as I love anyone who can beat the Silvertips at their home ice.......I am rooting for PG on this one.... go cougs!!!

I guess PG was able to give Everett a run for their money one of their games at home and that was before they got their act together.

Seattle may be hungry, they are smack dab between Everett and Kelowna in the standings and could gain some ground on Kelowna if they win this one.

I guess only time will tell. I'd love to keep this Not Dead Yet thread going forever. :laugh:

[blazerhockey]

i think this is some extremely wishful thinking.

[WestLEAFfan]

i think this is some extremely wishful thinking.

Hey, crazier things have happened! Did all you BLAZER fans expect the current skid you are on? I'll bet you didn't. Misery loves company blazerhockey! vc119

[TwoBits]

i think this is some extremely wishful thinking.


Are you still bitter about PG knocking you out of the playoffs last year? Come to think of it, we took out the #1 team too.

Wishful thinking maybe, but stranger things have happened. :laugh:

[old_time_hockey]

President's day in the US today OTH -- so for them it was a holiday game.

Ah yes....right you are. Forgot that.

I was too busy being bombarded by the news that 4 of the 13 provinces and territories got a "Family Day" where as I called in sicker than a dog with a flu and I am currently going between hot and cold faster than a menapausle woman right now.

[blazerhockey]

Are you still bitter about PG knocking you out of the playoffs last year? Come to think of it, we took out the #1 team too.

Wishful thinking maybe, but stranger things have happened. :laugh:

nope not really bitter about that id like to see the cougars do well. sorry to rain on your parade it just seems so far fetched especially with three games against the giants during the strech and a three versus the blazers. but i guess will see.

[TwoBits]

nope not really bitter about that id like to see the cougars do well. sorry to rain on your parade it just seems so far fetched especially with three games against the giants during the strech and a three versus the blazers. but i guess will see.

Oh, I think Dondo or somebody already tried to do that about 2 pages back. :D and we've already established that it is a pipedream, we're just having fun. Don't you think it'd be interesting if our very last game together, and of the season, decided who made the playoffs.

[old_time_hockey]

Or at the very least play spoiler and dropping a team from 4th to 5th to take their home ice away.

That and you want to go out on a positive to build for next season.

[TwoBits]

Or at the very least play spoiler and dropping a team from 4th to 5th to take their home ice away.

That and you want to go out on a positive to build for next season.

That's about all we'll have left to talk about.

I just hope we can beat Seattle, I want to torment the Blazer fans some more as they are on the Eastern swing, and you Giants fans know what that can be like. :laugh: Just kidding everybody, I just feel like being a twerp tonight.

Oh and guess what OTH, SK was one of the provinces that have "family day" so we were home to listen to the pm game on Monday. vci11 :D

[blazerhockey]

Oh, I think Dondo or somebody already tried to do that about 2 pages back. :D and we've already established that it is a pipedream, we're just having fun. Don't you think it'd be interesting if our very last game together, and of the season, decided who made the playoffs.

ya that would be sweet if we could decide the season on the last game of the season but if it gets t that point i dont think the blazers deserve to be in the playoffs.

[TwoBits]

ya that would be sweet if we could decide the season on the last game of the season but if it gets t that point i dont think the blazers deserve to be in the playoffs.

Doesn't look like you have a whole lot to worry about. :( (not that you were to begin with)

I'm not much of a mathematician, but, it looks like PG has to just lose one more and Kam has to only win one more. I think I can hear the fat lady clearing her throat. :D

[dondo]

Oh and guess what OTH, SK was one of the provinces that have "family day" so we were home to listen to the pm game on Monday. vci11 :D

speaking of Family Day I heard on the radio that some provinces instituted a Family Day but plan to take away Remembrance Day as a holiday, so its not a n extra holiday. Which would suck. Did SK make that deal TB?

[TwoBits]

speaking of Family Day I heard on the radio that some provinces instituted a Family Day but plan to take away Remembrance Day as a holiday, so its not a n extra holiday. Which would suck. Did SK make that deal TB?

I don't think so, but it is only a provincial holiday so people who are federal workers like Canada Post still have to work.

I think there would be an uprising if the gov't tried to take away a legitimate holiday to replace it with some "made-up" one that was basically made to give us another long weekend.