The Rockets Take a 2-0 Series Lead with a 5-2 Win in Game 2

April 9, 2017 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Kelowna Rockets News Release

Kelowna (5) Portland (2)
(Kelowna Rockets)

Much like game one, both teams were scoreless after 20 minutes of play. Kelowna led 9-6 in shots after one period.

Kole Lind opened the scoring at 7:33 of the middle frame for his third of the playoffs. Then just over two minutes later Tomas Soustal tipped in a Lucas Johansen point shot and the Rockets took a 2-0 lead. The Winterhawks responded before the period was out as Blichfeld notched his third of the post season and the Winterhawks cut the lead to 2-1 heading into the final frame.

James Hilsendager took a wrist shot from the point that found its way through everyone for his first playoff goal this season. At 18:40 Nick Merkley scored his first of the post season on the empty net to make the score 4-1. The Winterhawks came right back and made it 4-2, but Merkley slipped a second one into the Hawks empty net as the Rockets take this one 5-2.

Nick Merkley led the Rockets with two goals and an assist.

The Rockets outshot the Winterhawks 43-25 as Michael Herringer made 23 saves for the win.

Kelowna takes a 2-0 series lead.

The series shifts to Portland for games three and four on Tuesday, April 11th and Wednesday, April 12th. Both of those games have a 7:00pm puck drop.

The whole series schedule goes as follows:

Game Visitor Home Date Time

1 Portland @ Kelowna Friday, April 7 7:05

2 Portland @ Kelowna Saturday, April 8 7:05

3 Kelowna @ Portland Tuesday, April 11 7:00

4 Kelowna @ Portland Wednesday, April 12 7:00

5 * Portland @ Kelowna Friday, April 14 7:05

6 * Kelowna @ Portland Sunday, April 16 5:00

7 * Portland @ Kelowna Tuesday, April 18 7:05

* If necessary

Tickets are available for Rockets home games through selectyourtickets.com, at the Prospera Place box office or by phone at 250-762-5050.

Kelowna (5) Portland (2)

Western Hockey League Stories from April 9, 2017

• Four Cougars Impress this Weekend in the AHL - Prince George Cougars
• Seattle Goes Up 2-0 on Everett - Everett Silvertips
• The Rockets Take a 2-0 Series Lead with a 5-2 Win in Game 2 - Kelowna Rockets
• T-Birds Skate Past Tips to Take 2-0 Series Lead - Seattle Thunderbirds
• Hawks Fall 5-2 in Kelowna; Rockets Take 2-0 Series Lead - Portland Winterhawks

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