Anything but a Grammy-like Performance

The Grammy's were handed out Sunday night in Los Angeles.

The big winner was the country band the Dixie Chicks.

Yet if you could use one song from the 'Chicks' latest album that would sum up the Rockets performance in a 7-0 loss in Vancouver last night it would have been 'It's so hard when it doesn't come easy'.

The Rockets had no battle level, and looked lifeless.

The Giants came out hungry, while the Rockets seemed timid. Vancouver capitalized on some early penalties and built up a quick 3-0 lead after one period and scored another 3 times in the 2nd to put the game away.
Torrie Jung was relieved in the 3rd period after the Rockets were out-shot 36-7, giving way to rookie Daniel Salamandyk. The newest Rocket made 10 of 11 saves in his Western Hockey League debut.
The Rockets lack of jump was reminiscent of Friday's 4-0 loss to the Tri City Americans. The team shyed away from body contact, had very little energy playing their third game in three nights, and were simply dominated by a Vancouver team that has now won 6 straight at home.
The Rockets on the other hand have dropped 8 straight on the road, with the potential of dropping a 9th when they travel to Everett Friday to face a Tips team which has lost just twice at home all season.

Bright spots last night?

James McEwan.
McEwan was the only player on the Rockets side willing to defend a teammate all night long. At times the Giants took liberties with some questionable hits, yet McEwan was the only one that would come to the aid of a teammate.

Evan Bloodoff.
The younger brother of Lucas was probably the only Rocket who consistently initiate body contact. While others were shying away (we won't name names for fear of embarrassment) from body contact. Evan was looking for it. He also had a penalty shot in the 3rd period after he was tripped down while trying to get a shot on goal on the penalty kill. While he missed the net on the free chance on goal, he was likely the best Rocket.

The negatives?

Where do we start?

This is a game you have to simply throw out the window, regroup and hope for better things next weekend with back-to-back games in Everett and Seattle.

The Rockets have to remember they won't have the luxury of home ice advantage against either Vancouver or Kamloops, meaning starting a series on the road is a given.

Getting down 0-2 in a best of seven series against the Giants or Blazers will translate into one thing.

A quick exit from the post season.