Malc
02-19-2009, 02:49 PM
By Doyle Potenteau
Can you say choke? Alexander Wiklund knows the Kelowna Rockets can.
Two days after a humbling loss in Portland, the Rockets stumbled again Wednesday night, wasting a 3-0 lead en route to a 4-3 shootout loss to the Chilliwack Bruins in WHL action at Prospera Place. Down 3-1 entering the final frame, the visitors scored twice to level the score, survived overtime, then bested Kelowna 2-1 in the shootout.
Wiklund scored the winner by outwaiting Rockets netminder Mark Guggenberger, then going upstairs. For the 18-year-old from Sweden, it was his second shootout winner against Kelowna. On Jan. 23, he went backhand in a 5-4 win over the Rockets in Chilliwack.
“It was almost the same situation,” said Wiklund, whose team snapped a 10-game losing streak. “Last time, I was the fourth shooter and I deked. This time, I was the third shooter... to finally win, it feels pretty good.”
While Chilliwack‘s dressing room was jubilant, Kelowna‘s was mute. And understandably so, for it‘s not everyday that a team blows a 3-0 lead after lighting the lamp three times in one minute six seconds midway through the first period.
“Everyone wanted to redeem themselves after Portland and we talked about it a lot,” said Rockets captain Colin Long, referring to Monday‘s 4-3 defeat. “We had a good first, and then, after that, guys thought it was going to be points night. We proved in Portland that there‘s no such thing in this league. So, it‘s definitely embarrassing.
“I would hope that most of the guys are embarrassed. I know I am.”
Long, Cody Almond and Stepan Novotny scored for Kelowna (35-20-1-3), which led 3-0 and 3-1 at the period breaks. Yet in the final frame, the hosts put in a lacklustre effort which allowed Chilliwack back into the game.
Ryan Howse, Partik Bhungal and, with 2:33 left in the third, Brandon Manning replied for Chilliwack (15-40-2-4). The Bruins are now 2-4 against the Rockets this season.
Guggenberger made 19 saves for Kelowna, while the Bruins split their netminding duties. Lucas Gore started but lasted just 9:55 after giving up three goals on eight shots.
Mark Friesen was perfect in relief, making 32 stops.
ICE CHIPS: Kelowna‘s scratches were D Aaron Borejko (concussion) and LW Jamie Benn (throat, day to day).
http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/stories_local_sports.php?id=165947
Can you say choke? Alexander Wiklund knows the Kelowna Rockets can.
Two days after a humbling loss in Portland, the Rockets stumbled again Wednesday night, wasting a 3-0 lead en route to a 4-3 shootout loss to the Chilliwack Bruins in WHL action at Prospera Place. Down 3-1 entering the final frame, the visitors scored twice to level the score, survived overtime, then bested Kelowna 2-1 in the shootout.
Wiklund scored the winner by outwaiting Rockets netminder Mark Guggenberger, then going upstairs. For the 18-year-old from Sweden, it was his second shootout winner against Kelowna. On Jan. 23, he went backhand in a 5-4 win over the Rockets in Chilliwack.
“It was almost the same situation,” said Wiklund, whose team snapped a 10-game losing streak. “Last time, I was the fourth shooter and I deked. This time, I was the third shooter... to finally win, it feels pretty good.”
While Chilliwack‘s dressing room was jubilant, Kelowna‘s was mute. And understandably so, for it‘s not everyday that a team blows a 3-0 lead after lighting the lamp three times in one minute six seconds midway through the first period.
“Everyone wanted to redeem themselves after Portland and we talked about it a lot,” said Rockets captain Colin Long, referring to Monday‘s 4-3 defeat. “We had a good first, and then, after that, guys thought it was going to be points night. We proved in Portland that there‘s no such thing in this league. So, it‘s definitely embarrassing.
“I would hope that most of the guys are embarrassed. I know I am.”
Long, Cody Almond and Stepan Novotny scored for Kelowna (35-20-1-3), which led 3-0 and 3-1 at the period breaks. Yet in the final frame, the hosts put in a lacklustre effort which allowed Chilliwack back into the game.
Ryan Howse, Partik Bhungal and, with 2:33 left in the third, Brandon Manning replied for Chilliwack (15-40-2-4). The Bruins are now 2-4 against the Rockets this season.
Guggenberger made 19 saves for Kelowna, while the Bruins split their netminding duties. Lucas Gore started but lasted just 9:55 after giving up three goals on eight shots.
Mark Friesen was perfect in relief, making 32 stops.
ICE CHIPS: Kelowna‘s scratches were D Aaron Borejko (concussion) and LW Jamie Benn (throat, day to day).
http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/stories_local_sports.php?id=165947