Sunday, January 15, 2012

Batman and Robin

  • They are a dynamic duo. Both are masked men who are heralded as heroes at weekends end. No, I am not talking about Batman and Robin, but I'm referring to goaltenders Adam Brown and Jordon Cooke. The Kelowna Rockets can thank those two for spectacular play in back-to-back road wins Saturday in Vancouver and Sunday in Everett. Brown was named the 1st star in a 4-3 win in Vancouver, a game where the Rockets generated just 15 shots on goal. A night later, in Everett, it was Jordon Cooke's turn to earn 1st star status in a 3-2 shootout win in Everett. If it wasn't for their exceptional play, the Rockets would be coming home from a six game road trip with only two wins in their back pocket.
  • In Sundays win in Everett, the Tips deserved a better fate. They were clearly the better team. A work ethic that looked nothing like a last place team, the Tips peppered Cooke and played a solid two way game. The problem with the Tips is their inability to score, but their worth ethic on this night can't be questioned.
  • The Rockets had ample opportunities to end the game with three consecutive power plays with about six minutes left in the game. One of the power play chances extended into overtime, yet the Rockets couldn't find the killer instinct.
  • Should we be surprised that forward Zach Franko scored the game winning goal in the shootout? The guy is money. Franko has now scored in five of six shootout situations this season. Jordon Cooke didn't allow a goal on three Everett shooters.
  • The smallest crowd I've witnessed ever in Everett watched the Sunday match up. Whether the NFL playoff games were a factor or not, under four thousand fans took in the game. That's a far cry from the over six thousand strong I fondly remember during better times.
  • Ok, I finally understand why Tips d-man Nick Walters is rated by NHL Central Scouting. What a great hitter. Walters is aggressive. You have to love his style of play. The 17 year-old had not less than three huge hits in the game.
  • The Rockets open a five game home stand Wednesday against the Tips. It is followed by games against Lethbridge Friday and Vancouver Saturday night.

5 comments:

lorren08 said...

There was such a small crowd last night cuz there was snow. People in Seattle freak out over even the smallest flake!! I made it no problem though!

Regan Bartel said...

I have never seen snow in Everett. It looked very odd. Glad you made it out to cheer on your team.

MG said...

Regan do you think there was an offer for Brown at the deadline ? This year Cooke sure does seem to be playing well. Brown is great, but a little less consistant compared to last year.

g.k said...

Well I quess the team owes the goaltenders big-time & lets hope they pay them back this week in front of your loyal fans who haven't seen the team play in quite some time, I know I'm looking forward to some great hockey. Go Rockets!!

Regan Bartel said...

MG, teams wanting to make a run for it this year were talking about the availability of Calvin Pickard out of Seattle. If the Rockets received a call for Brown, the return for a 20 year old goalie wouldn't have been worth moving him.