The Burlington Cougars took to the ice for their last regular season home game of the 18/19 season versus their arch rival Oakville Blades on Friday night. Their season series was on the line as both teams had split their five previous meetings (2-2-1). Despite some outstanding offensive pressure and solid goaltending, the Blades bested the Cougars in this one, 2-0.

Friday was graduation night for the Cougars where they honoured their 20 year-old players who will be moving on from the OJHL following the season. Michael Greco, Matthew Steen and Daniel Davidson, along with their parents, were presented with a plaque during a pre-game ceremony to honour their time in junior hockey.

Once the families left the ice, the pleasantries were pushed aside as both squads wanted to secure the season series. The game began with a two-minute minor against the Blades for delay-of-game, beginning a parade to the penalty box. Both teams would take their fair share of penalties, resulting in only two minutes of five-on-five action through the first twelve minutes of play. Neither team could find the back of the net on a combined seven powerplays, Burlington scoreless on three, Oakville on four.

Both teams would combine for 11 penalties, but neither team could convert with the man advantage.

The Blades mustered 12 shots on goal in the first 20 minutes, all of which were stopped by Daniel Davidson. Davidson suffered his first loss as a Cougar, but still had a strong showing between the pipes. He stopped 36 of 38 shots, including five Oakville powerplays (ranked second in the OJHL). He now sits 5-1-1 on the season, with one shutout, a 1.26 GAA and .964 save percentage.

Davidson would not be beaten until the final ten minutes of the game, where a loose puck in the slot was lifted over his shoulder to finally break the deadlock. Oakville would add an insurance marker with just under three minutes left to extend their lead to two. Burlington would not find the back of the net on 27 shots.

The Cougars will have one final tune-up before the playoffs versus the Stouffville Spirit on Saturday night. From then on, all eyes will be on Buffalo to prepare for their first-round match up beginning next week.

- Written by Chris Perrelli