Nothing short of successful weekend

Shael Higson settling things down - Shoot the Breeze Photo

• For a team that sits in the precarious position of squeezing into the WHL playoffs, this past weekend can only been described as a huge success. Nope, the Kelowna Rockets didn't run the table against two of the best teams in the Western Conference, but earning 3 out of a possible 6 points can only be considered a huge step forward. Despite a 7-4 loss Friday in Vancouver, against the BC Division leading Giants, the team regrouped in a big way with a 2-1 overtime loss to Portland Saturday and then gutted out a 4-3 victory against the Winterhawks in the lone game played on a Sunday this season at Prospera Place. Those three points against the Hawks coupled with the Kamloops Blazers inability to win three games on the weekend have the two teams separated by 7 points in the standings with two weeks left in the regular season. 
• It wasn't leading point producer Kyle Topping or leading goal getter Nolan Foote leading the team to Sunday's win. While both played roles in the clubs 27th victory of the season, it was unlikely sources like Teddy Brennan and rookie Dallon Wilton that led the charge. Brennan opened the scoring with his first goal in 27 games. Wilton, a health scratch Saturday, found the back of the net with his first goal in 45 games.
• It was nice to see Liam Kindree involved with the primary assist on the game winning goal. What I like about that sequence was Kindree's ability to work away from a check at the Winterhawks blue-line and create the two-on-one with Wilton. If Kindree isn't determined, he is easily rubbed off the puck and its a dead play. The 18 year-old chose to boldly work away from 6 foot 5, 200 pound d-man Brenden De Young to set up the game winner. Kindree is also very good in his own end when pressured. I like when he controls the puck along the end boards and makes the decision to hold onto the puck when feeling the heat. Often times, holding onto the puck and making a shifty move is the best option rather than making an ill advised pass which creates a turnover. I also like the 18 year-old's ability to make a deft five foot pass to a teammate when the oppositions forecheck is applied.  
• The Rockets kept WHL leading scorer Joachim Blichfeld to two assists in two games, only five shots on goal and a -2 rating. Mission accomplished. 
• Here is a rare occurrence. For the first time this season, leading goal getter Nolan Foote failed to fire a shot on goal in Sunday's win. Foote did chip in with two assists and played with significantly more jam. Foote is playing a bit more of a power game which will serve him well. Jamie Benn, Foote's favourite player, also played a heavy game. Both posses heavy shots. 
• It was interesting to see the Winterhawks employ goaltender Shane Farkas in both games against the Rockets. Farkas, a Penticton kid, was solid in both games, but having Joel Hofer sitting on the bench has to be a tough pill to swallow for some. The Winterhawks gave up 6 draft picks for Hofer including two first rounders. From the outside looking in, it makes you wonder if Hofer isn't exactly what the Winterhawks believed they were getting when they obtained him from the Swift Current Broncos at the trade deadline.
• Congratulations to rookie Cole Carrier for picking up his first WHL point with an assist on Teddy Brennan's goal.
• While we are speaking of goaltenders, Roman Basran was named the first star in Saturday's 2-1 overtime loss and was the second star in Sunday's win. Basran's save against Winterhawks d-man John Ludvig Saturday night will make the WHL Saves of the Week. It was a desperation, pad stack stop that took a sure goal away. As spectacular as it was, I am still a fan when Basran plays a more conservative style. I find when the action is fast and furious around him, when he flips and flops, it provides additional anxiety for his teammates. Playing controlled, much like he did Saturday with quick reactionary saves is what will catch the eye of NHL scouts. In my opinion, desperation saves is often an indicator that he was unable to track the puck and was out of position. Watch the best goaltenders in this league and tell me what they all have in common? Less is always more.    
• It was a long time coming but leading scorer Kyle Topping finally earned his 100th career assist on Lassi Thomson's power play goal in Sunday's win. It was Topping's first point in five games. Up until Sunday's assist, Topping was on his longest pointless streak of the season.
• I'm a big fan of Shael Higson. The 20 year-old d-man is playing terrific right now. Bringing more bite on the blue-line, Higson is joining the attack and his intimidating, bruising style without taking bad penalties has been impressive to watch. Higson has points in 6 of his last 7 games and has 10 shots over that stretch. 
• I thought Kaden Korzcak was lights out terrific, specifically Saturday and Sunday. His calm demeanor on the penalty kill with ice in his veins was evident when the Winterhawks were afforded a 5 on 3 power play chance in Sunday's third period. 
• We will have to see if Mark Liwiski is suspended for his third period hit on Portland forward Seth Jarvis. Liwiski was given a five minute major for boarding while the 16 year-old never returned.