The shootout win was the Rockets first on the road since an opening night victory in Everett. Between then and now, the Rockets have suffered shootout losses on the road in Swift Current and Prince Albert. The Rockets are now 3 and 3 in shootouts this season. The only other shootout loss came on November 4th in a 6-5 home ice loss to Portland.
Myles Bell continued his hot hand against the Royals. The 18 year-old has five of his eight goals against Victoria this season. Bell's seeing-eye snap shot tied the game at two.
Jordon Cooke received the start in goal and made several timely saves. The 18 year-olds best stop came in the dying seconds when Royals leading scorer Kevin Sundher broke in on a clear cut breakaway. Sundher could have been a factor in the shootout but took himself out of the game when he head-butted Rockets forward Shane McColgan in frustration at the conclusion of overtime. Sundher was given a double minor for head butting and a ten minute misconduct. Props to McColgan for getting under his skin.
The win extended the Rockets winning streak to three games. It marked the first time since late November that the team registered three straight victories. The loss was Victoria's 9th straight.
After the game, the Rockets stayed overnight in Victoria before catching a ferry at 9 am Sunday morning. The bus will make a quick stop in Kelowna before heading back on the road Tuesday for a date with the Portland Winterhawks Wednesday night.
This was the final game for both teams before the WHL trade deadline. It will be interesting to see if the two line up's look any different following Tuesday's mayhem.
4 comments:
Nice to see the boy's pickup 4 pts. It's funny how the Rockets always seem to play so much better the closer it gets to trade deadline day, I don't imagine any of them want to leave Kelowna for Prince Albert or Swift Current. Good luck in Portland.
Great to see the rockets come out with the two wins in Victoria. Though Victoria was kind of an easier team. Lets see how they do against Portland this weekend.
I read how Hamilton stated that the deal would have to big for Bulmer and that they would have to get someone for now and someone for the future.
I know it is dumb to second guess Hamilton as he is a proven GM who knows what he is doing....BUT I sure wish he would trade guys like Bulmer and Brown for the future only and not the now.
Sure its great to see the Rockets in the playoffs. I just don't see the point of holding on to guy or asking too much when all it gets you is maybe 4 home games in the playoffs. If he traded guys like McMillan or Barrie for the future is it not possible we might be making a run for the cup instead of just a few playoff games ?
I hope to see a trade that builds for the future. There is a lot of young talent on the team and holding on to someone for the sake of a few playoff games just doesn't make sense to me.
I know everyone is not going to agree but that is just how I see it.
I do agree with MG that we need to look at the future not the present but you know if we trade Bulmer & Brown it will look like the Rockets are giving up on the season & looking to next year. Unfortunately Mr. Hamilton is not the type of GM to throw in the towel on any season. So we will get our two home playoff games & say goodbye to Brown & Bulmer at the same time!!!!!
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