No pity for PG

Shoot the Breeze Photography

• Every once in a while it's nice to have an offensive explosion. A chance to regain some confidence with the puck in a season where goal scoring doesn't exactly come easy. Sure, the Prince George Cougars were starting a third string goaltender with Taylor Gauthier hurt and Tyler Brennan at the Under 17's. Rookie Jacob Herman faced the fire in his WHL debut Friday night and the Kelowna Rockets took full advantage in a 6-2 home ice win. Pavel Novak scored three times and Nolan Foote collected four points (1+3=4) in the lopsided contest. Even newly acquired Kobe Mohr got into the act. More on him later. The only blemish was several players who struggle hitting the score-sheet didn't. Without Kyle Topping, its those players that need to pull harder on the rope for long term success.
• Pavel Novak again leads the WHL in rookie scoring. Where would the Rockets be without his sensational start? Likely in a lot of trouble. The 17 year-old (doesn't turn 18 until next April) has exceeded expectations. I thought he may turn it on after Christmas, but he is fast tracking to be considered a top 40 pick in next June's NHL Draft. He can shoot, pass and his play making ability is above average. The numbers don't lie baby!! Novak's hattrick marked the first time a Rockets European born player has scored three goals in a game since Calvin Thurkauf did it during the 2016-2017 season.
• Let's give credit where credit is due. Captain Nolan Foote is delivering. Outside of Novak, Foote is the most consistent offensive forward on the team. Foote should look like a first round NHL draft pick and did exactly that last night with a determined effort. I think his board battle work has improved significantly from a season ago and he is playing with more determination. Like Jamie Benn at 19, sometimes he blends in and isn't noticeable, but he had it going on Friday night and looked every bit an elite player.
• While Pavel Novak is a slam dunk for the teams rookie of the year award (yes, its only early November), but one player who has made big strides in the last three games is 19 year-old d-man Sean Comrie. I had high expectations for Comrie when he made the jump to the WHL, but it was a slow transition for a player who chose major junior over the NCAA route. I saw an uptick in his play in Victoria and I liked him last night. I asked at the start of the season if it would take him 10 games to get used to the league. At that time he was hoping a smooth transition would come sooner, but I'd suggest it didn't up until recently. Comrie defends well and likes to pull the trigger on the power play. The player has made some nice strides of late. 
• The power play feasted on the Cougars inept penalty killing unit...and it should. The Rockets power play is top five in the WHL and the five attackers they put on the ice should score more times than not. The unit went 3 for 4 and has scored the most power play goals (18) of any team on the circuit. 
• It was quite the day for 20 year-old Kobe Mohr. Acquired off waivers, Mohr flew into Kelowna at 11 am, met his new teammates, had a quick photo session, a radio interview and team meetings and then played a game. He went out and collected two assists in his debut. It was tough to evaluate his play in a game where his head must have been spinning. I think it will be better to get a gauge on him Wednesday when the feisty Victoria Royals are in town. I will say, in a pre-game interview, he said all of the right things which makes you believe Mohr only strengthens the dynamic in the Rockets dressing room.
• Where was the game lost for the Cougars? They likely could have made it a game had they scored on four power play chances in the first period. Instead they went 0 for 4 and it was pretty much downhill from there. The visitors just don't have the skill set to score a lot of goals. Outside of forward Josh Maser, who should have significant trade value, Prince George has scored the third fewest goals in the WHL.
• Now that the Rockets have won back-to-back games, can they win three in a row for the first time this season? They have a chance to improve their 5 and 1 home ice record when they meet the Royals for the third time in 9 days this Wednesday when the two teams collide at Prospera Place.