Recap: VIC 2 - PG 1

Axel Blomqvist celebrates his game winning goal Saturday

Axel Blomqvist scored the game winning goal, while Patrik Polivka made 31 saves as the visiting Victoria Royals (45-17-1-3, 94pts) beat the Prince George Cougars 2-1 Saturday night, clinching home ice in the first round of the playoffs.

“It’s a valuable commodity to have home ice in the playoffs, and it’s something I hope we can take advantage of.” – Head Coach Dave Lowry

Blomqvist beats Edmonds making it 2-1 Royals, Credit: Quigley

The Royals sweep the Cougars in a two game set, after a 5-3 victory one night earlier and take the season series 7 games to 1.  The Cougars find themselves 4 points out of a playoff spot.

Victoria returns home after playing 7 consecutive on the road, winning 6 games.  They have the second most road wins in the league with 25 (25-7-0-1).

“That’s a testament…our guys play hard, believe in what we’re doing here, that in itself is huge.  We know we can still play better, our expectations are doesn’t matter whether we’re at home or on the road we go into every game with the mindset that we want to win.” Said Lowry

Jack Walker bounced one past Edmonds

Saturday night trailing 1-0 after the first on Todd Fiddler’s 45th goal, the Royals struck twice in the middle frame, and rode out a 2-1 lead to victory. 

“I think we stole a game here tonight and obviously our goaltender was really good, probably the only reason why we were able to win the hockey game.”  According to Lowry

Jack Walker tied the game after tipping a pass from center, bouncing the puck past Cougar netminder Ty Edmonds.  Ben Walker, the games first star, sent Axel Blomqvist in alone, scoring his 22nd of the year.

Polivka was star #3 Saturday

Polivka earned his 25th win of the year, taking both victories over the weekend set and remains a perfect 10-0 lifetime against Prince George, including 5-0 this season.

Neither team could strike on the power play, with Victoria going 0 for 4, and stopping all 3 short handed chances.  Ty Edmonds allowed 2 goals on 21 Royals shots in the loss.

Riding a 3 game win streak, Victoria remains 3rd in the West, 5 back of Portland who had their 21 game win streak snapped Saturday.  Seattle stays 10 points back in 4th.

The Royals continue to set franchise records as they earn their 45th win and 94th point.

Victoria has 6 games remaining in the regular season, three at home and three on the road.

Up next the club faces the Blazers Friday and Saturday on the Island.

-Marlon Martens

Victoria Royals 2 at Prince George Cougars 1 - Status: Final
Saturday, March 1, 2014 - CN Centre - Prince George, BC

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

1st Period-
1, Prince George, Fiddler 45 (Harkins, Pochiro), 8:52.

Penalties-Carroll Vic (major-fighting), 0:39; Wilson P.g (major-fighting), 0:39; Bourke P.g (inter. on goaltender), 4:47; Nelson Vic (high sticking), 6:38; Roulston P.g (tripping), 12:41; Bourke P.g (tripping), 15:32; Carroll Vic (inter. on goaltender), 15:54; Fisher Vic (hooking), 18:38.

2nd Period-
2, Victoria, Walker 6 (Reddekopp, Soy), 6:50.
3, Victoria, Blomqvist 22 (Walker), 12:34.

Penalties-Pochiro P.g (cross checking), 20:00.

3rd Period-
No Scoring.

Penalties-No Penalties

Shots on Goal-
Victoria 7-8-6-21.
Prince George 11-11-10-32.

Power Play Opportunities-
Victoria 0 / 4;
Prince George 0 / 3.

Goalies-
Victoria, Polivka 25-11-0-2 (32 shots-31 saves).
Prince George, Edmonds 18-18-2-4 (21 shots-19 saves).

A-1,624
Referees-Steve Papp (17), Chris Schlenker (90).
Linesmen-Korey Martens (41), Nathan Van Oosten (115).