Coming into the first home game of 2014 for the Cougars, they needed to desperately put the puck into the net. Their offence has been struggling, having been shut-out 3 of the last 5 games, something wasn't clicking. The same can't be said for the back half of the ice, both the defence and goal tending has been unreal. Only allowing 4 goals against in those 3 shut-out loses, it's clear that both Hargrave and Beauchamp having been keeping up their end of things between the pipes. The defence, being lead by Zagrodney, has been top notch as well. That didn't change against Kerry Park on Thursday. The defence was able to hold Kerry Park to only 4 shots in the first period. What did change was the offence. Jo Davie led the charge scoring twice in the first few minutes of the game. This was the spark that the Cougars needed to get their scoring touch back. The Cougars have had Kerry Park's number all year, and this game was no different. For the 3rd time this season the Cougars managed to score 7 goals against the Islanders.
From my side of the ice it was quite clear that the team needed a shake up in order to get things working again. Coach Van Helvoirt mixed up his lines to try and find a way to get that puck in the net, and it worked. The Cougars managed to win the game, and they managed to get back on the score board, but the real test comes when they face the Panthers. The Panthers have added one of the best scorers in the league in Alex Milligan, but he also has managed to rack up quite the total in penalty minutes too.
The question I have, will the Cougars still have the same look as they did against the Islanders? Friday is trade deadline day, will some new faces join the roster to help scoring? Come Sunday against Nanaimo we may see a different team on the ice when the Bucs visit the ABSC, but the Coaching staff may also have complete faith in the team we have now. After all we are still #1 in the VIJHL. If we see some new blood, or the team stays the same, I have faith that the Cougars will close out this season on top, and over coming a few bad games will only make the team stronger for the playoff run.
