Saturday, September 13, 2008

Chiefs 3 Rockets 2 OT

  • The Rockets concluded the exhibition schedule Saturday night with a 3-2 overtime loss to the Spokane Chiefs. Stepan Novotny and Mitchell Callahan scored goals for the Rockets in the loss. The Rockets end the pre-season with a record of 2-1-1-0.
  • Adam Brown took the loss in goal for the Rockets. Despite the setback, I thought Brown played a solid game. The second goal he allowed took an odd bounce off the end boards before landing on the stick of a Spokane forward penciled at the side of the net. With Brown's performance Saturday and Dylan Taits efforts on Friday night in Spokane, I am glad I am not responsible for deciding on who the teams backup goaltender will be this season.
  • Kyle St. Denis was the best player on the ice for the Rockets. He created several great chances with his tremendous speed. Evan Bloodoff and Dylan Hood again played well, but my only concern is they need numerous chances to score. The good news is they are creating chances offensively with good energy and speed, and should provide for some exciting times for the Rockets faithful this season.
  • Curt Gogol impressed me Saturday night. The rookie defenseman had a huge hit in the third period. Gogol is trying to make a Rockets defensive core which already includes Luke Schenn, Tyler Myers, Tyson Barrie, Tysen Dowzak, Collin Bowman and Riley McIntosh.
  • The Rockets dressed just 14 skaters and two goaltenders in Saturday's game.
  • Very few people likely noticed, but the Rockets Memorial Cup banner was missing up in the Prospera Place rafters. Why, I am not sure. I just hope I don't see it being sold on e-bay.

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