Thursday, October 16, 2008

Stanford Stellar in Rockets Win

  • Prince Albert Raiders goaltender Steven Stanford was the only reason why his team had a chance of earning a point Wednesday night against the Kelowna Rockets. Stanford stood on his head making several spectacular saves in a 3-1 loss. Had it not been for Stanford bringing his 'A' game to the table, this would have been as lopsided as the Rockets 8-1 win over Prince George.
  • Give the Raiders credit for being in this game as late as they were. It was a one goal game until Kyle St. Denis sealed the win with a breakaway goal with 69 seconds left in the game. The Rockets allowed just 8 shots on goal over the final 40 minutes while firing 34 shots at the Raiders goal.
  • The Rockets deserve credit for keeping their heads and hearts into the game despite being denied time and time again by Stanford. Colin Long finally broke Stanford's shutout bid at the halfway point of the second before Jamie Benn's power play goal 4 minutes into the third period gave the home team it's first lead of the game.
  • Coach Ryan Huska will be pleased with this statistic. His team took just five minor penalties. The Raiders were almost equal to the task, taking just 7 minors.
  • The Raiders iced one of the youngest defensive cores the Rockets have faced this season, and it showed. They didn't make mental mistakes, but they ran out of gas as the game wore on. Neither team iced a 19 or 20 year-old d-man back on the blue-line.
  • I applaud Raiders 16 year-old defenseman Ryan Aasman for playing last night. Aasman was playing just his third game after his father died of cancer. Aasman is doing his best to move on, but I sympathize with the death of a loved one. Aasman should be an inspiration to his teammates.
  • It was a rough night for Raiders forward James Dobrowolski. Dobrowolski was sent to the ice on hits from Kyle Verdino and Jesse Paradis.
  • It was great to chat with Raiders forward Justin Bernhardt before the game. Bernhardt managed to score the lone goal for the Raiders, and seems to be enjoying life in the North Saskatchewan city. Bernhardt scored a career high 26 goals last season, and plans to improve on those totals from a year ago. Bernhardt won't wow you with his speed or his tremendous work ethic, but he is a pure goal scorer who has a nose for the net. It's that skill that no coach can teach a player.
  • The Rockets are now 4 and 0 on home ice this season and improved their record to 6 and 5 with the win. The Rockets will try to move 2 games above the .500 mark for the first time this season when they face the Tips in Everett on Friday.
  • Earlier in the day the Rockets learned that they will not host the 2010 Memorial Cup. Brandon will. I have had little to say about the Rockets bid, but my belief is the Rockets didn't put their 'best foot forward' in making their presentation. Rockets GM Bruce Hamilton made no secret that he wanted to see the Wheat Kings win the right to host the event.
  • The overage deadline is Thursday. It will be interesting to see if the Rockets make a move. You would have to believe the Rockets will make one move by bringing in a veteran to help out on the blue line. But that said, is it worth bringing in an older player if he's no better than the 17 and 18 year-olds you already have?

8 comments:

Jared Comeau said...

Hey Regan...i dunno about you but i think Jamie Benn, despite scoring, had his worst game in a rocket uniform against the raiders...he was floating and being a one man show....NOT what the fans want to see...

Regan Bartel said...

But how many quality scoring chances did he have Jared? He is always in the right spot to get a quality shot on goal. Whether he played his worst game in a Rockets uniform is in the eye of the beholder. Keep in mind he is a shooter. In saying that he thinks 'shoot' first and 'pass' as a second option. That may explain why he has 6 goals in 6 games.

Ryan said...

Jared, were you even at the game? Benn was very good last night creating many scoring chances and got himself open so many times for Long to set him up, but was stymied by their goalie.

Sorry to be blunt but if you thought Benn had a poor game, you have no idea what you are watching. Should have known after you said Hood is the most improved player by far (Paradis, St Denis, Verdino, Bowman, and Myers must not be visible from the end zone)

MG said...

I hope this win is well needed confidence booster for the Rockets.
The Raiders are somewhat hot right now comming off wins against the Giants and Blazers. The Rockets showed that when they put it together even an outstanding goaltender can't beat them.

I couldn't go last night but listened to the game on the radio and another job well done Regan !!

Rocketwatcher said...

I agree with Jared. Benn needs to consistently dominate on offense, playing against the younger guys. The knock on Almond last year was lack of consistency, and Benn needs to contribute and compete a lot more if he expects to advance. The minors are littered with guys who don't bring it every shift. He is too talented to not play harder. Cody is playing harder this year on a nightly basis and that is what scouts look for.

Jared Comeau said...

There was one play last night where Jamie Was given a long lead pass, he missed the pass and then stopped skating and drifted towards the puck in the other zone...there was no icing so their's no reason for him to give u[ on it. Everybody in my section was thinking he was sick or something because he was not his usual self.

Rocketwatcher said...

There is no denying what a talented goal scorer he is. Guys with that much talent are frustrating when they don't push themselves. He has a gift.....

Regan Bartel said...

I'll take Mr. Benn at half speed any day. Is he sluggish at times? Sure. But is he producing? Yes. If he went 5 games without appearing on the scoreboard, I'd be concerned. Right now, I have no worries.