Caution When Up 2-0

• The Kelowna Rockets should be applauded for their efforts thanks to a 2-0 series lead over Seattle after back-to-back wins on the road. Yet caution must be taken considering the T-Birds had a 2-0 lead on the Rockets in a 2005 playoff series after back-to-back wins on the road before eventually losing the series in 6 games.
• The two team's power plays are the big story in the first two games. The Rockets scored all three goals in Saturday's 3-1 win with the extra man, while Seattle has managed to score all three of their goals in the series with the man advantage.
• Unlike what we saw in game one, the Rockets were the more physical team Saturday night. Again Luke Schenn was a rock defensively, but it was Tyler Myers who had a flare offensively that turned a few heads. Myers had a goal and an assist and was named the games first star.
• I thought the Rockets did a good job of not allowing the T-Birds time and space to use their speed game. The d-core was especially good at making contact at ever turn, which appeared to wear down the T-Birds as the game went on.
• Rookie Kyle St. Denis also played well, making a picture perfect pass to Cody Almond in the Rockets third goal of the night. Here is the audio of the goal. http://www.am1150.ca/player/player?mediapath=&type=mp3&fi=files%2Fam1150%2Fsrimedia%2FR09_0446.MP3&nid=687399&
• St. Denis was especially effective on the power play when it appeared that Jamie Benn and Brady Leavold struggled in the tight checking affair.
• How good is Seattle's Thomas Hickey? Hickey plays a ton, is a tremendous passer and can skate with the best of them. Rockets fans will be in for a treat in games three and four as they watch Hickey against fellow Team Canada teammate Luke Schenn.
• Toronto Maple Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher took in both games on the weekend in Seattle. Fletcher had to like what he saw from Myers, Schenn and Brandon McMillan, who has a renewed confidence playing on a line with Almond and St. Denis.
• The officiating crew of Nathan Weiler and Carle Poole were extremely bad in this one. Both called numerous penalties, that were soft calls at best. I will admit many of the calls came against Seattle, much to the dismay of those in attendance.
• Colin Long's parents made it down for weekend games, as did Brady Leavold and Tyson Barrie's dad.
• Games three and four are Monday and Tuesday at Prospera Place. Tickets are still available for both games.
• The Rockets feel fortunate to be up 2 games to none after escaping with a 3-2 win in game one Friday night. The victory didn't come without some anxious moments as they attempted to protect a one goal lead. http://www.am1150.ca/player/player?mediapath=&type=mp3&fi=files%2Fam1150%2Fsrimedia%2FR09_0437.MP3&nid=687286&