Rockets drop 5th straight in Tri-City
The Tri-City Americans came back to hand the Kelowna Rockets their fifth consecutive loss on Tuesday night at the Toyota Center in Kennewick, WA.
The Rockets jumped out to a two-goal lead early into the game, but the Americans cut it in half before the end of the opening 20. Kelowna restored their two-goal lead on the power play in the second period, but the Americans stormed back with three unanswered goals.
The Rockets special teams had a strong night, shutting down both Americans power play attempts, while the power play was successful on their lone power play of the game.
A number of Kelowna players missed the game due to injuries: Marcus Pacheco (day-to-day/one week), Kayden Longley (lower-body/day-to-day), Ethan Neutens (upper-body/day-to-day), Jari Kykkanen (day-to-day/upper-body).
With Kykkanen out, Jake Pilon made the start for the Rockets. The seventeen-year-old made 26 saves on 30 shots fired his way.
Andrew Cristall recorded his 200th WHL point on the Rockets opening goal. The Washington Capitals prospect left the game in the second period after the puck hit him while in front of the Americans net, he returned to the game in the final minutes of the third period.
PHOTO CREDIT JOHN KELLER / TRI-CITY AMERICANS
GAME SUMMARY
Kyle Kelsey made the initial save on Andrew Cristall cutting across the crease, but as he turned the puck came loose in the blue paint for an awaiting Gabriel Szturc (6) early into the game. Moments later, Ty Hurley (2) was able to shovel the puck past Kelsey to push the Rockets out to a two-goal lead 4:15 into the game. Nick Anisimovicz (2) deflected a shot past Jake Pilon to cut the lead in half.
Max Graham‘s (5) one-timer from the left faceoff circle while on the power play restored the Rockets two goal lead 6:19 into the second period. In on a three-on-two, the puck was dished from the left side to 15-year-old Cruz Pavao (2) on the right side to record his second goal in as many games. Alex Serraglio (1) let shot fly from the top of the left faceoff circle to tie the game in the final minute of the middle frame.
The Americans took their first lead of the game on Pavao‘s (3) second goal of the game, a one-timer from the slot.
ADDITIONAL STATS
- The Rockets record is now 7-9-1-0
- Kelowna outshot the Americans 37-30
- With the win, the Americans evened up the five-game season series 1-1. The two will next meet on February 19 at Prospera Place.
UP NEXT
Kelowna will remain on the road for their next three games, they’ll be back in action on Friday night in Everett against the Silvertips.
The next Rockets home game is Saturday, November 18 when the Rockets will welcome the Prince George Cougars. That game will feature live music from the band Bush Party.
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