Fighting for their playoff lives, the Prince George Cougars gave the powerful Tri-City Americans more than they could handle Tuesday night in Kennewick, Wash.
And, at least for now, they still have a heartbeat.
The Cougars won a thriller against the Americans, 5-4 in overtime. The deciding goal was scored 62 seconds into the extra frame by captain Jesse Forsberg, who converted on a backhander after early pressure inside the Tri-City blueline.
Despite their gutsy performance on Tuesday, the Cats (23-45-0-2) could be eliminated from playoff contention tonight. All it would take is for the Victoria Royals (22-41-3-4) to pull off a similar upset against the Portland Winterhawks. A win would give the Royals 53 points and the most the Cougars can amass is 52.
The Royals also play the Winterhawks in their final game, on Friday. Heading into the contests, Portland is third overall in the WHL's Western Conference with a 48-17-3-1 record.
The Cougars trailed 3-2 after Tuesday's first period and led 4-3 after the second. The Americans got the tying goal early in the third.
Spencer Asuchak, Troy Bourke (2), and Linden Springer scored the Prince George goals in regulation time. Adam Hughesman -- with his 47th and 48th goals of the season -- Brendan Shinnimin and Malte Stromwall replied for the Americans (49-17-1-3).
The Cougars will visit Kamloops on Friday and end the regular schedule with a Saturday home game against the Blazers.
