Overview:
The Kelowna Rockets are coming into tonight’s game with a record of 29-30-3-6 on the year. They are guaranteed to finish sixth in the Western Conference playoff race, and will no doubt be a tough out for anybody that faces them. Last night they had a winning streak snapped by Victoria. The Royals scored three in the third to defeat the Rockets 3-1.
Who’s Up Front:
Shane McColgan continues to lead the way offensively for the Kelowna Rockets. The 93-born California product has 62 points in 67 games, which leads the team. He’s got 45 assists on the season, and always seems to make life difficult for the Cougars.
Who’s on D:
Rockets defenceman Myles Bell leads all Kelowna blueliners with 40 points through 52 games this season. Last night, Bell appeared to be getting a regular shift as a forward, and that might be something we see tonight. Whether he’s up front or on the back-end, the Cougars need to pay close attention to Bell and keep him contained.
Who’s in Goal:
20-year-old goaltender Adam Brown played last night for Kelowna against Victoria and was especially sharp through the first two period. Granted he didn’t get a ton of help in the third, but was still credited with the loss to Victoria. Does Ryan Huska go back with Brown who is 6-1-0-0 against the Cougars this season? Or do the Cougars get their first look at Rockets backup Jordan Cooke?
X-Factor:
The one player that the Cougars did not have to concern themselves with during their last two meetings with Kelowna was forward Brett Bulmer. Bulmer was out with an illness during those games and did not play. Bulmer has 57 points through 49 games this season and he leads the Rockets with 32 goals.
Overview:
Heading into tonight’s game, the Prince George Cougars are five points back of eighth place in the Western Conference standings. With five games remaining they have 10 possible points up for grabs. A win tonight for the Cougars is practically essential if they want to keep pace with the teams ahead of them. So far they are 1-6-0-0 against Kelowna but their lone victory against the Rockets did come on the road.
Who’s Up Front:
Alex Forsberg had a strong game on Wednesday for the Cougars when they defeated Seattle 3-1. The younger Forsberg brother had the empty-netter and also an assist on his big brother’s winning goal in the second period. Alex Forsberg has shown this season that he can be a true difference maker, and he’ll need to be again tonight if the Cougars want to find success.
Who’s on D:
With the game-winner in the second period, Jesse Forsberg now has a new season-high for goals with three. The Cougars captain was named the first star on Wednesday not only for his offensive exploits, but defensively he was solid and reliable and no doubt he’ll be one of the main guys tasked with stopping the likes of Brett Bulmer and Shane McColgan. The Cougars captain will no doubt he up for the challenge.
Who’s in Goal:
Drew Owsley was rock-solid for the Cougars on Wednesday as he turned aside 31 of the 32 shots he faced for the victory. Owsley will need to continue to be sharp down the stretch during this march towards the post-season.
X-Factor:
When the Cougars power play scores. They tend to win games. They are 14-10-0-1 in games when they score at least one goal on the power play. If the power play can keep it going tonight, the Cougars have a great shot at their second straight victory.
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