Game Day: Rockets-Winterhawks Game 2 Today

The Kelowna Rockets will look to take a 2-0 series lead on Portland when game two of their best of seven WHL Western Conference semi-final series takes place today at Portland’s Rose Garden (5 p.m.).

The Rockets and Winterhawks have had two full days of rest and practice after their intense opening game on Thursday night when the Rockets handed Portland a 5-1 loss.

“We really expect them to come out hard against us,” said Rockets assistant coach Dan Lambert. “They were the best team in the league for a reason.We expect a big push from their guys and expect they are going to come out and challenge us.”

On Thursday the Rockets got off to an excellent start, scoring in the first five minutes of the first period and using a hard forecheck to keep Portland off its game.

Still the Winterhawks fired 46 shots at Kelowna netminder Adam Brown, who was exceptional in allowing just a single goal. Shane McColgan scored three times while Evan Bloodoff and Zak Stebner also scored.

Rockets coaches used the two day break to go over video of the game and hold a couple of practices to get the team ready for game two.

“We feel we need to get better in some areas but in saying that we felt we played a pretty good first game,” said Lambert. “We did a good job of playing how we wanted to but there is always room for improvement.”

Faceoff this afternoon is at 5:05. You can listen on AM 1150 or on the WHL webcast.

“We need to be ready for that big push and try to minimize their chances on the rush,” said Lambert.

Following tonight’s game the series shifts to Kelowna for games three and four on Tuesday and Wednesday. Check for tickets here.