Vancouver Giants now sit five points back of the eighth and final playoff spot in the WHL western conference following Sunday’s 5-1 loss to Prince George Cougars at Langley Events Centre.
Giants kept it even with the Cougars until late in the first period, when Prince George made it 1-0. Cougars poured it on in the second period, scoring three times to take a 4-0 lead into the final frame.
Vancouver got a late goal from Brett Olson, but a Cougars empty net goal a minute after sealed the deal for the visitors.
Vancouver now has a record of 18-25-1-2 (39 points).
Giants netminder Burke Hood had a busy weekend. The New York Islanders draft pick started on Friday, came in relief on Saturday to play over 55 minutes and then started again on Sunday. He finished the weekend with 120 saves on 129 shots, which is a .930 save percentage.
Giants Head coach Parker Burgess said several players were out because of injuries.
“We’re not going to sit here and make any excuses,” Burgess said, “but it’s tough to overcome those things. I look at the weekend as a whole, you have the second, first and third-place team in the conference in a three-in-three when you’re already banged up.”
Saturday, Giants were neck and neck for most of their road game against the first place Everett Silvertips, but three goals in the first 4:17 were the difference in a 4-1 Everett win at Angel of the Winds Arena.
The Giants surrendered a pair of goals in a 36-second span early in the first period, before the Silvertips added a third a couple minutes later. A goaltending change brought new life and the Giants got back into the contest at 3-1 thanks to a goal from Sam Charko, who was signed earlier this week. While Vancouver had their chances in the final 40 minutes – getting marginally outshot 23-19 – they couldn’t beat Anders Miller again.
Friday, Giants suffered a 4-2 loss to the Penticton Vees at Langley Events Centre.
They made a late push in the final frame with goals from forward Brett Olson and defenceman Will Sharpe, but ultimately came up short.
Giants will play two upcoming games against Prince George next weekend