After six straight losses to the Kelowna Rockets, the Prince George Cougars were looking for a way to snap out of their funk.
The Cougars demonstrated that ability in a big way Friday night at CN Centre staking themselves to a four-goal lead over their division rivals after two periods on the way to a 4-2 victory.
Charles Inglis got the Cougars started 12:35 into the first period, snapping a quick shot in behind rookie goalie Jordon Cooke. Taylor Stefishen made it a 2-0 count before the first period ended, redirecting a shot-pass from Cougars captain Brett Connolly.
Rookie Troy Bourke picked up his 13th goal of the season on a tip-in early in the second period and defenceman Martin Marincin jumped into the play on a delayed penalty to accept a pass from behind the net from Cats' forward Brock Hirsche.
The Rockets had plenty of incentive to fire back and they did, but Cats' goalie Ty Rimmer wasn't willing to bend.
"There was a lot of back and forth (in the second period) and a lot of good chances by both teams and it's good to be on the better side of it tonight," said Cougars assistant coach Jason Becker, whose team had to rely on some nifty saves off breakways from Rimmer to keep the Rockets off the scoreboard.
"Obviously we have to watch the penalties that we take, they have to be a little bit more disciplined, and just be more aware in our defensive zone. We can't give up those opportunities.
"We've had the desperation and determination that we've been looking for in the month of January and wasn't there the whole time and it was a good start to the game."
Zak Stebner got the Rockets on the board, 6:22 into the third period and kept the pressure on Rimmer. That led to a second goal at the 13:23 mark, when defenceman MacKenzie Johnston wired a point shot through a screen.
Shots were 32-27 in favour of the Cougars.
The win moved the third-place Cougars (25-23-3-1) to within seven points of the second-place Rockets (30-21-0-0).
The same teams meet again tonight at CN Centre. Game time is 7 p.m.
