Saturday, February 13, 2010

Olivia Newton-John would have been proud

  • I would doubt that Olivia Newton-John's smash hit from the 80's 'Let's Get Physical' was being played in the Kelowna Rockets dressing room prior to Friday night's road game, but it must have been the game plan against the Kamloops Blazers. The Rockets were physical right from the drop of the puck until the final whistle, in an impressive 5-3 win at the Interior Savings Centre. The game featured five fighting majors with the fireworks starting after a big hit by Blazers defenceman Ryan Funk on Rockets blueliner Tyson Barrie. More on that later.
  • How many times have you seen this. One team has a great start and the other team scores. The Rockets take the play to the Blazers in the first five minutes, yet the Blazers score on a shot that seems to hit the glass behind goaltender Adam Brown and finds it's way into the back of the net. Despite the goal, the visitors don't let that bother them, scoring twice in the opening frame and generating 19 shots on goal.
  • Blazers goaltender Kurtis Mucha made three nice saves in the opening period, including a penalty shot awarded to Brandon McMillan. McMillan was also robbed on a tremendous blocker save on his off wing before finally scoring on a goal mouth scramble late in the first period to tie the game at two. McMillan would score twice in the win, yet left the game after hurting his ankle late in the second period.
  • As mention, Tyson Barrie gets rocked by a huge hit from Blazers d-man Ryan Funk. Barrie is down before slowly making his way to the bench after athletic therapist Jeff Thorburn looks at him on the ice. Barrie didn't miss a shift. Mitchell Callahan then takes matters into his own hands shortly-there-after by engaging in a fight with Funk, knocking him down with a solid right hand. Funk leaves the game with the help of trainer Colin Robinson and teammate CJ Stretch. Funk appears to land awkwardly on his right leg when falling.
  • What's gotten into rookie Codey Ito? Ito plays his best game of the season by creating a solid forecheck while assisting on the game winner and scoring in the third period. Ito was a bugger to play against and was determined to win battles for pucks rather than be an eager participant.
  • Mark my words, Brett Bulmer is going to be a special player. While Shane McColgan is getting all of the headlines this season as a first year player, Bulmer is going to be a beauty. Bulmer has extremely soft hands which allows him to score goals and set them up. Bulmer picked up three assists Friday night and had a second period tilt with Blazers 16 year-old JC Lipon.
  • Ok, this Jordon DePape kid is a player. Sure, he plays for the Blazers, but how can you not be impressed by this 17 year-old? DePape must have had no less than five or six chances to score. That's a great sign from a player who is going to be huge for the Blazers next season. He has a nose for the net.
  • Rockets goaltender Adam Brown came to play when he needed too. I didn't like the second goal he gave up through his five-hole, but in a 3-3 tie, his best save came off of DePape with a nice glove hand grab. Brown was sharper than he was Wednesday in Everett. He seemed to be overplaying pucks against the Tips, but that was not the case against the Blazers.
  • The opening face-off to the third period was delayed to allow fans at the arena a chance to watch the lighting of the cauldron at the Winter Olympics. The opening ceremony was being broadcast over the video screen on the Interior Savings Centre score clock during the intermission. It almost seemed odd though as the players from each team - officials included - gazed up at the video screen to watch the happenings before play finally resumed after a three minute delay.
  • The Rockets win in Kamloops for the first time this season. In their final visit to the Interior Savings Centre, the Rockets managed just one win in four attempts.
  • Veteran defenceman Dallas Jackson sat this one out with a leg injury.

4 comments:

g.k said...

Regan how bad is McMillans ankle? we can't be without this guy for very long.

Regan Bartel said...

He is a game time decision. Not sure if he will play tonight. The good news is the team has a week off following tonight's game. He is of more value next weekend when the team plays three-in-three.

g.k said...

With a week off we should be getting Jackson back by then too, so I say let them both sit & heal!! Any word on if Calahan will be suspended?? Looking forward to a great game tonight as the last few we've seen at home have been quite a bore!!

Regan Bartel said...

Cally won't be suspended.