Rockets lose for first time in 10 games

• When you have no less than three – two-on-ones and don’t score, it usually comes back to bite you. The Rockets should be sporting a huge welt after being bit hard by the Everett Silvertips Wednesday night. The Rockets failed to score early and the Tips took over, in a 4-0 loss. Had the Rockets scored, we would have had a terrific game on our hands.
• How tough of a night was it in the offensive zone for the Rockets? How about Spencer Main’s breakaway in the second period that goes for not. Main attempts to go to the backhand, only to lose control as the puck harmlessly is kicked aside by the left pad of Tips goaltender Thomas Heemskerk.
• Another good example of no puck luck was in the third period on a pretty pass Rockets d-man Tyson Barrie makes from the right boards to teammate Shane McColgan. McColgan is standing alone at the left side of the Tips net, but instead of one timing the puck into the open side, his shot goes wide. The 17 year-old doesn’t miss those very often. Few 23 goal scorer do.
• Positives? Brett Bulmer’s hustle and determination can’t be ignored. The 17 year-old attempts to jump start his team with a late 2nd period fight. The rookie is playing hard consistently, not sporadically, which makes him a lethal player.
• Speaking of rookies, Max Adolph showed some jam. A third period fight was the punctuation of a solid effort by a player who you often don’t notice on the ice. An emotionally involved Max Adolph equates into a much better player.
• The Rockets gave up a power play goal for the first time in 7 games. The game winner at the midway point of the first period was a power play goal.
• The Rockets played this game without two key players. Dallas Jackson remains out with a leg injury while forward Brandon McMillan remained at the hotel after falling ill Tuesday night on the trip down to Everett.
• While the Rockets were 1 and 4 against the Tips in the seasonal series, injury and illness played a huge factor in the Rockets lack of seasonal series success. It would have been nice to see what the result would have been had the Rockets iced a healthy team. Maybe my wish will be granted in the first round of the playoffs.
• Why would I like to see these two teams meet in the opening round? Rivalry. I think the fans of both teams have built up a health dislike for one another over the years thanks to playoff battles in 04 and again in 06. I love the Comcast Arena. They may be cheering against the visitors, but it’s a fun place to be. The travel is also ideal. A five hour trip between the two centers is a breeze.