Game 2
The Portland Winterhawks got a hat trick from Ryan Johansen in a 6-3 win over the Kelowna Rockets to even their WHL Western conference semi-final series at one game apiece.
The Rockets led 1-0 after the first period before the Winterhawks poured on the offense, scoring four times in the second and two more times on the third to earn the win and tie the series.
Rockets assistant coach Dan Lambert said they were happy with their first period but had too many turnovers the rest of the way.
“They’re going to get chances there is no doubt but we can’t give them any gifts,” said Lambert. Tonight I thought that we gave them some gifts that weren’t technically them creating chances as much as us not being sharp.
The Rockets got off to a good start in the game, scoring the first goal for the second straight game. Kevin Smith blasted a shot from the circle that bounced off of McColgan and into the net. For McColgan it was his seventh goal of the playoffs.
Adam Brown faced 52 Portland shots in the game in front of 8,053 fans at the Rose Garden in Portland.
Jessey Astles and Colton Sissons also scored for Kelowna. Sissons said it is important that they play a smart game against the high flying Winterhawks.
“There’s no room for error out there,” said Sissons. “We just have to keep mentally strong and keep working harder than they are.”
The series is now shifting to Kelowna for games three and four on Tuesday and Wednesday nights at Prospera Place in Kelowna.
There are still tickets available through Select Your Tickets. Check online here.
