- Text book. That would best describe the Kelowna Rockets effort Sunday night in Spokane. The Rockets played a smart road game and were rewarded with a 2-1 win. The Rockets could have gambled and created more chances in the offensive zone, yet that tactic would have made them more vulnerable in odd man rushes the other way. Considering this was the Rockets third game in three nights, the one goal victory was impressive.
- Cody Almond’s name won’t end up on the score sheet at the end of the night, yet his contribution at the face-off circle with the game on the line and the Chiefs goaltender pulled for the extra attacker was HUGE. Almond won three consecutive key face-offs in his own zone, again punctuating the point of the value he brings to this team.
- The Chiefs came close to tying the game on a goal mouth scramble that saw the Rockets net come off its supports. From my vantage point the goal mouth scramble had goaltender Mark Guggenberger fall on his back hitting the post and knocking it out of place. Guggenberger is such a big body, that when the giant falls, everything tends to get pushed aside in his wake.
- Was the Rockets win Sunday night a statement game? The Rockets may not suggest that, but I believe it was. It was just one game, but the victory against a top end team shows that they can compete against the elite. Many won’t be convinced until they beat Vancouver. Good enough then! The two teams collide Friday night.
- Colin Long is a big time player. If you questioned his ability in the big game, what he did Sunday night was impressive. Long’s shorthanded goal to open the scoring saw him strip the puck from the Spokane defenseman and move in all alone on a clear cut breakaway from center ice. Long waited for his opening before snapping the puck – five hole – past Chiefs goaltender Dustin Tokarski.
- Long’s power play goal was the result of a good read by defenseman Tyson Barrie. Barrie took the puck off the left boards, rotated towards the front of the net, but rather than shoot, found Long on the backdoor for the 2-1 lead. It was Long’s 15th power play goal of the season, two shy of league leader Keegan Dansereau.
- Long had 14 power play goals all of last season.
- The Rockets moved within two points of the Chiefs with the win. Spokane has two games in hand.
- I am starting too really like Mark Guggenberger, and it has nothing to do with the posting his mother made on this blog. Guggenberger is so quick down low, and has the luxury of playing so deep into his net because of his size. Guggenberger has allowed just one goal per game in 5 of his last 6 starts.
- Those that were calling for Ryan Huska’s head a few weeks ago please stand up! It may be tough to get to your feet though, with all of that egg on your face. All joking aside, I couldn't buy into the theory that the players weren't playing for the personable coach.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Getting Greedy With 6 Point Weekend
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5 comments:
Is there a reason that the Kelowna webcasts are inferior in quality to a lot of others? The viewing quality is hard to set up, as it is either too bright or too dark. Is it the camera??
Great game last night. The team is really starting to gel. They look like they will challenge for thrid in the West. Moreover, if they take two from Van over the next week and a half, expect the Giants to be looking over their shoulders come playoff time.
St D had a good weekend, nice to see him return. However, as was the case at the start of the year, he tends to overstay his shifts. I don't like that he over commits when he should be changing, and that could come back to burn him/the team.
Who questions Long's ability in the big game? Last year in the playoffs he had 12 points in 7 games, and over the plast 2 yhears he has averaged 1.4 per game (best for anyone on the Rockets over that stretch). Anyone who does hasn't been watching this team.
My guess is the camera operator is shooting too wide of a shot. The camera may be a factor too. I know in some webcasts that you can't even identify the individual players because the shot is so wide. I do know that some arena's have multiple camera's (Kamloops as an example), which makes the viewing more enjoyable.
Is there anything you can tweak at your end to assist in visual clarity? We are not in Kelowna so all viewing is done on the Web. If not thanks for looking into it at least.....
I'll check into it for ya.
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