The Kelowna Rockets finally put pucks in the net in their Western Conference semi-final against the Prince George Cougars - just not enough of them.
Prince George took a 3-0 series lead over the Rockets with a 4-3 overtime win Tuesday (April 16) night at Prospera Place.
Kelowna had been held scoreless in the first two games, losing 4-0 and 5-0, but scored three times against Cougars goaltender Joshua Ravensbergen, including a late third-period goal from Gabriel Szturc to force overtime.
“You work so hard and it’s a game of inches, you take a half a second off on the back check and it’s in the back of your net,” Rockets coach Kris Mallette said after the game. “It’s tough because our guys competed for, they played.”
Kelowna failed to score on five power play opportunities but had 18 shots on net in the first period, and outshot the Cougars 35-33 overall.
“It was a lot different than what it was up in Prince George where our power play couldn’t gain any traction,” Mallette added.
Kelowna goal scorers in the first period were Ethan Neutens (1), assisted by Caden Price and Kayden Sadhra-Kang, and Michael Cicek, with assists to Hiroki Gojsic and Ty Hurley.
Gabriel Szturc (5) scored in the third period to force overtime, and the Cougars’ Matteo Danis (1) ended the game at 1:22 of the extra frame.
The Rockets must win tonight (April 17) or their season will be over.
Game time is 7:05 at Prospera Place. Tickets can be purchased online at SelectYourTickets, by calling 250-762-5050, or at the Prospera Place box office.
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