Giving the Tips a Scare

Sure it was a shoot-out loss, but the Rockets showed some determination in a 4-3 setback against the Tips.
For the Rockets to score two in the final period when they were down 3-1 was pretty impressive, and getting the game tying goal from Chris Ray with the goaltender pulled and with the man advantage was huge.

The work ethic was there for the Rockets, which was the key in the team having a chance against a skilled squad like the Tips.

They were super aggressive on the penalty kill and did a nice job on an Everett team that looked nothing special 5 on 5, but were content to win the game with the man advantage.

I felt good for Cody Almond who finally scored.
He had a nice goal on a brutal give-away from Tips goaltender Leland Irving, who was trying to shoot the puck up the middle of the ice when it was picked off by Almond just inside the Tip blueline.
It was Almond's first goal in 21 games.
The 490 pound gorilla is finally off his back.

Speaking of Irving, he looked less than stellar for the Tips in goal. His give-away to Almond was bad, but the goal he gave up to Brandon McMillan to make it a 3-2 game in the third was terrible. Irving appeared to have his mind elsewhere all night long, and has struggled since returning from the World Juniors.

Torrie Jung was great again making 37 saves. I have full confidence in him with the team attempting to earn a playoff spot.
He is the real deal.

The bad news for the Rockets was the Bruins beat Lethbridge, meaning the lead over Chilliwack is down to just 2 points with the Rockets having two games in hand.
The game this Tuesday at home to the Bruins is huge.

The Rockets are now winless in 9 straight road games heading into tonight's game in Seattle.
Clayton Barthel has to be looking forward to this one as it marks the first time he's been back in Seattle since being traded to the Rockets in the off-season.