Sunday, February 11, 2007

Now That's More Like It!

A much better effort by the boys last night. Oh sure they made mistakes in the defensive zone, and Torrie Jung had to bail them out a couple of times, but a win against Kamloops is huge at this point of the season. You have to remember that these two teams could likely meet in the opening round of the playoffs, and now that the Rockets have 3 wins against them this season, a positive mindset heading into any playoff series knowing you've had success in the past.
I liked the clubs work ethic last night. It was much improved from a flat effort in the Tri Cities.

Cody Almond played especially hard, and showed why we have these high expectations for him. When he wants to play and works hard, he has the ability to be a very good player. Remember he is still just 17.
I liked Almond, Ray and Bernhardt all night long, as the Rockets top line out preformed the Blazers number one unit.
Seeing the Rockets score some big goals, including a beauty power play marker from Bernhardt on a pretty three way passing play was great to watch.
Lucas Bloodoff getting his 1st goal in 12 games was huge in enabling the Rockets to earn the 4-2 win. Now if only Cody Almond could score and snap a 19 game goal-less streak. That monkey, or should I say gorilla has to be weighing on his shoulders.

Torrie Jung will have to be a 'star' tonight if the Rockets have any chance of winning in Vancouver. Last night he was the #1 star, tonight he will have to be in the top 3.
For the Rockets to have any success against the Giants, things can't go wrong. Give-aways like we saw last night can't happen...if they do they will be in the back of the Rockets net.
Everyone will have to contribute, including the defenseman who have scored a goal in 4 of the Rockets last 5 games.
How will the Rockets handle a 2nd period which has been a disaster in the Giants building?
The Rockets have been out-shot 63-3 in the second period in 3 games played at Pacific Coliseum.
That will have to change this afternoon.

On the pre-game show tonight we will talk with Shea Weber. The former Rocket, now Nashville Predator is having a great season, and made an appearance at the NHL All-Star game.

Speaking of former Rockets, Chuck Kobasew got traded last night. Kobasew was sent to Boston with Andrew Ference for Brad Stuart and Wayne Primeau. Kobasew had 17 points in 40 games with the Flames this season, and played 210 games in Calgary, after the Flames made him the #1 pick in the 2001 NHL draft.
'Chucky' played just one season with the Rockets, but it was a memorable one in 2001 when he scored 41 goals (23 on power play) in 55 games.

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