'Giant' Win by Rockets

• I tip my hat to Rockets forward Cody Almond for getting into a fight 3 seconds into the game, when Giants d-man Mike Berube challenged him off the opening face-off. Almond not only answered Berube's request, but he did his team proud against a player who drops his gloves significantly more than Almond does. That fight showed the Giants, and Almond's teammates that the home teams wasn't going to dictate the pace like they did in a 5-0 romp back on September 29th.
• The Rockets simply wanted this game more than the Giants. The forecheck was the key in creating turnovers in the Giants zone. It was the first time in three games that I actually saw the Giants struggling in their own end. The Rockets also hit the Giants at every turn in the first period, setting the tempo and tone in the opening 20 minutes.
• Kristofer Westblom's rebound control was questionable on both Giants goals, but again proved to be the difference in this one. He made a spectacular save off of Jonathon Blum on a sharp angle shot, literally taking a goal away. Blum had Westblom down on his stomach at the side of the net, yet the Rockets overage goaltender had no quit, snaring the puck out of mid air with a great glove hand grab. Westblom also made a magnificent save off of Michal Repik late in the third period to preserve the two goal win.
• I can't see how the coaching staff can make a switch in goal Wednesday against Calgary. You need to ride Westblom, who has been terrific in back-to-back starts. Westblom was named the #1 star on our broadcast, and was instrumental in helping the Rockets earn 4 points on the weekend.
• Rockets rookie defenseman Tyson Barrie is Mr. Power Play. Barrie scored his 2nd goal of the season Monday afternoon against the Giants. All of Barrie's points have come with the man advantage this season. By comparison, Josh Gorges had 4 goals in his 16 year-old season.
• Justin Bernhardt was finally rewarded for his efforts. 'Bernie' had two assists in the win, and again showed determination and drive that we didn't see in the first 4 games of the season.
• It was nice to see Jamie Benn get his first WHL goal. Benn, without a doubt is a great addition, and has shown that he can not only shoot, but is willing to pass the puck. His soft hands gives the Rockets not only additional skill, but he's using his body wisely to separate the man from the puck. I was wondering what type of impact Benn would make, but after just three games, the dude clearly can play at this level.
• Why should everyone on the Rockets roster perform to the best of their abilities every night? You never know who's watching. Philadelphia Flyers G.M Paul Holmgren was at the game, taking notes.
• I ran into Torrie Jung's dad before the game. Dick Jung has to be so proud of his boys. He has Torrie playing with the Rockets, while younger son Mikael is a draft pick of the Vancouver Giants. Down the road, look for the Jung brothers to face one another. Who Dick will cheer for is any ones guess?
• The Rockets have 3 road wins, half of the teams total of 6 road wins from a year ago.
• The Rockets won back-to-back road games this weekend. Last season they failed to win back-to-back road games.