By Hart
Beat
Mar 24 2006

It seems like it was in the last decade when the Prince George Cougars played their last playoff game. In reality, it was only three years ago, which is long enough when you consider just one team from each division misses the post season party. So, what kind of a chance do the Cougars have of winning a playoff series for the first time since 2003?
Although the Cougars finished 24 points behind the B.C. Division Champions, Vancouver Giants, the Cats might not be as over-matched as some may believe. Actually, there are some factors working in their favor.
Here’s a closer analysis of this series:

Goaltending: PG net minder Scott Bowles has excelled against the Giants. Bowles will face moody first all-star, Dustin Slade, in a battle of 19-year-olds. Slade allowed an average of half a goal less per game, but Bowles (who played in all eight) was the better goal tender in those head-to-head match ups. Vancouver out shot PG in each game, yet the Giants only won twice.
Advantage: Prince George.

Defence: The Giants gave up the fewest goals in the conference because of all stars like Paul Albers and Cody Franson and the very reliable Mark Fistric and Quesnel’s Brett Festerling. With injuries to Andy Rogers and Jesse Dudas, the Cougars “Big Four” have been Ty Wishart, Devin Featherstone, Curtis Cooper and Kalvin Sagert.
Advantage: Vancouver
Forwards: Vancouver outscored PG 252 to 195 over 72 games. Gilbert Brule is the NHL hired gun for the Giants, but in three games against the Cougars, had just one measly assist, and was an awful minus six. But, on talent alone, he is the most dangerous weapon on either team. Mitch Bartley, Kyle Lamb, import Michal Repik & Spencer Machacek (all over 20 goals) are other Vancouver snipers to watch for.
The Cougars counter with 40-goal man Eric Hunter (who has to be miffed he was overlooked for the all star team), 30-goal man Nick Drazenovic, 20-goal captain Myles Zimmer, Jared Walker and the underachieving Colin Patterson.
Advantage: Vancouver

Coaching: Mike Vandekamp has done a fine job under difficult circumstances in his first year behind the Cougars bench, but his credentials (like most other coaches in the league) don’t measure up to the much more experienced Don Hay.
Advantage: Vancouver
Intangibles: It’s hard to measure how much PG winning the season series by a 6-2 margin means, but it’s definitely a psychological advantage, especially since they haven’t lost to Vancouver in over five months (since October 8th). Also, the Cougars should not have to worry about the pressure because Vancouver is considered the better team, and is supposed to win.
The Giants get the edge in playoff experience, specialty teams, home ice and the Brett Parker factor. The 20-year-old Parker joined the Giants after playing this season with Melville of the Saskatchewan Junior A League. Parker played three years with the Cougars before he was sent home after failing to land an overage spot. You can bet he wants to prove something to the Cougar brass.
Advantage: Even
On paper, Vancouver should easily win. But, I’ve been around too long and have witnessed too many strange things in the playoffs. I don’t quite have the courage to pick such an underdog as PG; however, I’ll be surprised if this series (which will be televised by Shaw TV) isn’t a long one.
The Pick: Vancouver in seven

Hartley Miller is the sports director for radio stations 94x and the Wolf@97fm. He also writes for Opinion250.