A First Time for Everything

• The Rockets picked an inopportune time to fire blanks on home ice. For the first time this season they were shutout, falling 2-0 to the Tri City Americans Saturday night. It was a tough spill to swallow for the hometown faithful, who have watched this team go from the top scoring team in the WHL to one that has struggled in the offensive zone in the last five weeks.
• I liked the Americans patience in this game. While they were tied with Spokane heading into last night’s game for the most goals scored on the road, it’s defensive coverage and low panic threshold were the key in the win. It showed me last night that the Americans are not a one trick pony, and can play a tight checking chess match if required.
• The Americans have five forwards who are 5’9 or shorter, yet that doesn’t deter them from being first to loose pucks. If fact two of the Americans ‘smaller set’ – Colton Yellow Horn and Jason Reese – are their top two point producers. The player I liked most for the Americans was Taylor Procyshen. The 5’9 forward’s hustle just couldn’t be ignored.
• The Rockets best chance to tie the game came on a late power play with the Americans holding a 1-0 lead. Defenseman Tyler Myers delivered a picture perfect pass onto the tape of Colin Long on the backdoor, but Americans goaltender Chet Pickard came across was a spectacular right pad save.
• The WHL’s leading goal scorer had an off night. Colton Yellow Horn was not a threat to score at anytime in the game. The Rockets were aware of his presents, yet he never generated quality chances on goal. His blind pass to the slot for teammate Adam Hughesman to opening up the scoring was his only bright spot. It will be interesting to see if Yellow Horn can hit the 50 goal mark. If he does, Yellow Horn will be the first player to reach the milestone since Justin Keller did it back in 2005-2006.
• The loss was the Rockets 5th straight on home ice. The Rockets have generated just six goals in those five home dates.
• The game last night featured two teams that could potentially meet in the opening round of the playoffs. If that indeed happens it will be the first time since 2004 that the Rockets and Am’s have met. The Rockets won that second round playoff series in 6 games after losing the first two game at home before winning 4 straight.
• Did you know Lucas Bloodoff was a Tri City American? He was drafted by the Am’s in the 6th round of the 2004 WHL bantam draft.
• I was again asked last night about the status of Jamie Benn. I am unable to say when he will be back, yet the team has kept me in the loop on his return. Remember at this time of the year injuries are a deep dark secret. If other team’s keep quiet at this time of the year about their walking wounded, why should the Rockets be an open book?