Bruising defeat for Rockets

[Malc]

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

[Malc]

By Regan Bartel

What has happened to the Kelowna Rockets over the last two games is mind boggling. For a 4th place team to lose back-to-back games against two opponents on life support, in an effort to make the playoffs, just doesn't add up.

Did the Rockets three goal outburst in the first period in a 1:06 span come to easily and too quickly? It appeared after the home team built up the lead, the intensity went away and it was the Bruins game to win. Did the Rockets believe the Bruins would lie down and play dead after taking it to them in the first period?

The win snapped the Bruins 10 game losing streak and snapped the Rockets 6 game home ice winning streak.

It marked just the third time this season that the Bruins have won a game after trailing after 40 minutes. Despite being down 3-2 heading into the third period, defenseman Brandon Manning scored the tying goal before Alexander Wiklund scored the shootout winner.

A shootout was needed to decide things the last time these two teams met. Again Alexander Wiklund scored the game winner in the Bruins 5-4 win.

The difference maker in this one was Bruins goaltender Mark Friesen. After starter Lucas Gore was pulled after surrendering 3 goals on 8 shots, Friesen took over in a relief appearance and made 32 saves the rest of the way without surrendering a goal.

Give the Bruins credited for finding a way to gut out two points at Prospera Place. For a team expected to be fragile mentally with 10 straight losses, the visitors showed some moxie coming back from a 3-0 first period deficit to earn a much needed two points.

The biggest surprise of the night was not the Bruins come-from-behind win, but the physical display of forward Randy McNaught. McNaught elected to fight Rockets tough guy Ryley Grantham, and did incredibly well. McNaught caught Grantham with a couple of solid shots that surprised many people in the building. It was Grantham's first fight in 11 games after having his left hand cut by a skate blade.

Kyle St. Denis was injured in the first period after receiving a hit. The Rockets did no give a status on his injury, nor should they this late in the season. St. Denis did not return. Oddly enough it was against the Bruins that St. Denis broke his wrist, missing 37 games.

Jamie Benn sat this one out with strep throat. The Rockets leading goal getter will fight through the ailment Friday when the team visits the Vancouver Giants.

http://reganbartel.blogspot.com/2009/02/teams-on-life-support-get-pulse-against.html