Recap: VIC 2 - PG 0

Patrik Polivka made 30 saves to help the Victoria Royals (14-12-0-1, 29pts) to a 2-0 shut victory in Prince George (9-13-1-3, 22pts) Friday night.

Jamie Crooks was stopped on a breakaway by Engel

Alex Gogolev had a pair of assists as his club takes the first of back to back games on the road.  They’ll meet again Saturday night and lead the 8 game season series 2-1.  It’ll be their 4th meetings in 5 games.

“It wasn’t the prettiest game in the world, but at the end of the day we got the result and that’s what we came here for.  We’re pretty happy about that.” said Royals Assistant Coach Enio Sacilotto.

Austin Carroll scored his 3rd early in the first, and Jamie Crooks got his team leading 13th on a 5 on 3 power play in the second.  It was also Crook’s 90th career goal, tying Kevin Sundher for 2nd all time in Bruins / Royals history for goals scored.

The Royals were outshot 30-28 on the night, but held a 14-4 advantage in the second.

Sacilotto was pleased with the clubs middle frame,

“We skated a lot better, our work ethic was much better…it was a good effort all the way around.”

Faceoff in the Cougars end

The club found itself in familiar terriorty being up 2-0 in the third as they were on Tuesday before falling 4-3 in a shoot out to Moose Jaw.  Sacilotto commented on the clubs abiltiy to close out the Cougars.

“Tonight there was no panic on the bench and no panic on the ice…they played good defense, (Polivka) was strong in the net and we got the victory…I think our guys were really well disciplined in the third period.”

Patrik Polivka earned his 2nd shut out with 30 saves.

Polivka earned his 11th win and 2nd shut out of the season.  He was all smiles after the game.

“It was a really good game, I am so happy to have my second shut out but, the guys helped me a lot and I’m happy but we need to stayed focused on tomorrow’s game.”

Mac Engel allowed 2 goals on 28 shots.



Victoria went 1 for 5 on the power play, while shutting down all 4 Prince George man advantages.

Cougar forward Colin Jacobs took a checking to the head penalty on Royals forward Luke Harrison in the second period and did not return.

Victoria forward Alex Gogolev is on a 11 game point streak (4g 9a) and leads the team in points with (32).  Logan Nelson has pushed his streak to 8 games (3g 8a) and is tied with Gogolev in assists (21).

Victoria remains 6th in the Conference with 29 points, 4 more that 7th Seattle, 5 ahead of 8th place Everett.

The Cougars fall into 9th in the Conference, 7 back of the Royals and dip to 2 under .500 at home with a (5-7-1-0) record.

After the game in Prince George Saturday night, Victoria returns home for a tilt against BC Division rivals Vancouver Wednesday and Swift Current on Teddy Bear Toss Night a week Saturday.

-mm

Victoria Royals 2 at Prince George Cougars 0 - Status: Final
Friday, November 30, 2012 - CN Centre - Prince George, BC

Victoria 1 1 0 - 2
Prince George 0 0 0 - 0

1st Period-
1, Victoria, Carroll 3 (Gogolev), 1:04.

Penalties-Harrison Vic (tripping), 3:47.

2nd Period-
2, Victoria, Crooks 13 (Nelson, Gogolev), 11:53 (PP).

Penalties-Pochiro P.g (roughing), 5:20; Jacobs P.g (major - checking to the head, game misconduct), 8:58; Mykitiuk P.g (cross checking), 11:44; Traber Vic (boarding), 15:53; Kanzig Vic (major-fighting), 18:52; Hanes P.g (major-fighting), 18:52; Stahl Vic (roughing), 19:02; Forsberg P.g (cross checking), 19:02; Ehrhardt P.g (cross checking), 20:00.

3rd Period-
No Scoring.

Penalties-McNulty P.g (hooking), 13:26; Stahl Vic (interference), 14:08; Magee Vic (slashing), 19:20.

Shots on Goal-
Victoria 8-15-5-28.
Prince George 14-4-12-30.

Power Play Opportunities-
Victoria 1 / 5;
Prince George 0 / 4.

Goalies-
Victoria, Polivka 11-6-0-1 (30 shots-30 saves).
Prince George, Engel 4-8-0-3 (28 shots-26 saves).

A-1,771
Referees-Jeff Ingram (82), Chris Crich (20).
Linesmen-Ron Dietterle (121), Richie Rogers (101).

Quesnel produces #3 Ryan Gagnon and #12 Tim Traber (right)

#25 Brandon Fushimi and #20 Logan Fisher on a rush