The Rockets need to 'Reid' and React

For the third straight game the Kelowna Rockets have the luxury of trying to capitalize on a team which is without it’s captain.

The Rockets split a series in Prince George on the weekend with the Cougars playing without captain Eric Hunter, now the Kamloops Blazers provide the opposition at Prospera Place tonight without Reid Jorgenson.

Jorgenson won’t return until next week after undergoing surgery on his elbow after an infection got out of control.

The healing process for Jorgenson could provide the ticket the Rockets need to knock off a Blazer team, which at times look like gangbusters, but most recently look - mediocre.

Sure the kids from Kamloops are not a one man show, and Jorgenson isn’t the only key to the Blazers success, but his 39 goals and impress 13 game winning goals tell's you he’s the man you want out on the ice at a crucial time in the game.

You don't want him sitting on the sidelines.

Speaking of sitting in the stands, it looks like Rockets forward Justin Bernhardt will be a game time decision after suffering this week from the flu.

Bernhardt hasn’t been at his best as of late, and has been replaced on the teams #1 line by Colin Long.

'Bernie' has just one goal in his last 10 games, and has just one assist in his last 12 games.

Tyler Myers will return to the Rockets lineup tonight after winning a bronze medal at the Canadian Winter Games, but the other 'T' – Tysen Barrie is back in Victoria playing for his midget team, which is involved in the playoffs.

The schedule for the Rocket looks favorable with 6 games left to be played.

While they face some pretty tough teams, when you play five of those games on home ice, the schedule couldn’t be more favorable.

The Rockets have played their best hockey this season at Prospera and have the ability to knock off anyone if the heart, determination and effort is there.

Just ask Vancouver, Everett and Medicine Hat if you want to find out.

The fact that the Blazers aren’t playing with a bundle of confidence right now having lost 6 straight on the road, only gives the Rockets the extra edge.

But throw all the stats away in this one.

The Rockets have a ton to play for and need to show it, while the Blazers have jack squat to prove, having locked up second place and a date with Prince George in round #1.

But trust me the Blazers will do the Rockets no favors in this one tonight.

In fact the Blazers have already given the Rockets a blow below the belt when they hosted the Chilliwack Bruins February 23rd.

For whatever reason Blazers G.M and Head Coach Dean Clark elected to start 15 year-old rookie goaltender James Preistner in that game against the Bruins, and yes he gives up 6 goals as the Bruins earned two points in a 6-5 road victory.

Had veteran Dustin Butler started for the Blazers, it may have been a different result and the two teams (Rockets - Bruins) would be tied.

These two arch rivals don’t like one another, and despite the lack of animosity between these two franchises on the ice this season, deep down they both love feeding it to one another.

The two teams have gone in opposite directions all season long, with the Blazers challenging for first and the Rockets continually fighting for their playoff lives.

Isn't it ironic that just last season the Rockets were fighting with Vancouver for first place while the Blazers were gasping for air in an attempt to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Now the shoe is on the other foot!