The number 2 is a big one heading into this weekend for the Victoria Royals. Two big points on the line in two big games with the Prince George Cougars Friday and Saturday at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre. Two happens to also be the difference between the BC division rivals for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Game five of the eight game season series is set to go Friday night as the Royals take a 17-34-2-4 record into their tilt with the Cougars. The Royals have 40 points, two behind Seattle for seventh, one ahead of Everett and two clear of Prince George for eighth.  The Royals have won three of four meetings this season with the Cougars and split a mid-week doubleheader against Prince George at the end of January. The Royals look to shake off a five game losing streak, while the Cougars hope to build off wins in two of their past three games.

The Royals will get a boost on the blue line with the return of defenceman Tyler Stahl from a two game suspension. Forward Brandon Magee’s status is day-to-day with a lower body injury, which cost him action Wednesday against the Calgary Hitmen. Magee has been the best Royals’ top player against the Cougars this season, with two goals and eight points in four games.

Jamie Crooks will take a seven game point streak into Friday’s tilt with the Cougars, with five goals and two assists in that time. Crooks leads the Royals with five goals against Prince George on the season. Also hot is defenceman Hayden Rintoul who takes a six game point streak into the game.  Rintoul has a goal and six assists during that stretch. These two games finish a five game home stand for the Royals.

Meanwhile, the Cougars open a four game road trip against two teams. After they face Victoria, the Cougars will head south to Portland for two games with the Winterhawks. The Cougars were winners in their last outing, a 3-1 decision over Red Deer on Wednesday. 17-year-old Troy Bourke leads the Cougars in scoring with 40 points and had a goal and two assists in Wednesday’s win. The Cougars will have an eight game home stand upcoming after their road trip, which begins against the Royals next Friday and Saturday.

Puck drop between the Royals and Cougars is 7:05pm at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre. For further details or to purchase your tickets today, visit the Victoria Royals Ticket Office, www.victoriaroyals.com, or call 250-220-7889.