Sunday, December 7, 2008

Unlikely Source Scores Game Winner

  • A three goal third period was the key in the Rockets 5-2 home ice win against the Chilliwack Bruins Saturday night. The Bruins provided their best effort of the seasonal series by jumping on the Rockets early with a goal less than five minutes in, but the visitors still found themselves trailing on the shot clock 14-5 after the opening 20 minutes.
  • If the Rockets took the Bruins lightly last night, I don't blame them. Out-scoring them 14-0 in the first three games would have had the home team feeling awfully confident heading into last night's contest. But again give the Bruins some credit for giving the Rockets a scare as the two teams headed into the 3rd period tied at two. It forced the home team to turn it up or face the fear of losing their 4th home game of the season.
  • It was nice to see secondary scoring last night. Aaron Borejko, who scored the game winner, Mitch Callahan and Brandon McMillan responded in the third period rally. In a tied hockey game you anticipate Benn and Long to lead the charge, but it was nice to see those three take some of the pressure off of the top line by chiming in offensively.
  • Borejko's goal was just the second scored from the Rockets defense even strength this season. The other even strength goal this season came off the stick of Tyler Myers.
  • Rockets defenseman Kyle Verdino and Tyler Myers had to huge hits in the first period. The game featured several big hits delivered by both teams.
  • Jamie Benn managed a goal and an assist while Long had two assists in the win. It was the final game for Benn, who is headed with teammate Tyler Myers to the main camp of the Canadian world junior team. Benn and Myers fly out Wednesday to Ottawa.
  • Who will play with Colin Long with Benn's absence? Mitchell Callahan will be one wing-man, but who will be the other? I guess we will find out Friday when the Rockets conclude a five game home stand against Swift Current.
  • The Rockets now have 4 wins in their last five home games.
  • The Rockets have given up 170 shots in their last eight games. That means the Rockets have given up on average just 21.3 shots per game over that period. The Rockets have only been out-shot once in their last eight.
  • The Rockets now have 12 players with 10 or more points this season. How does this compare with the so-called elite teams in the league? Vancouver has 16 players with 10 or more points, Calgary has 14, Tri City has 11 and Spokane has 10. Its interesting to note that Regina has 13 and Saskatoon has 12.

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