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Rockets and T-birds set to meet once again in the playoffs
As the WHL playoffs approach, the anticipation builds as the Kelowna Rockets and Seattle Thunderbirds prepare to face off once again in the first round.
However, both teams look much different compared to last year.
The T-Birds are loaded with top NHL prospects in their line up and lots of depth.
That includes former Rockets’ captain Colton Dach, who was traded to Seattle back in January for Ethan Mittlesteadt, Ty Hurley, and a trio of conditional draft picks.
RocketFAN.ca’s Regan Bartel, told Kelowna10, that if the Rockets want to head to the second round, they need to keep games close, and have contributions from all areas.
“You don’t want the margin to be a wide one because it’ll be really tough to battle back and to score goals against Seattle,” he said. “You have got to stay out of the penalty box. The Rockets powerplay is going to have to be on point, and your goaltender has to be your best player. And if they get elite goaltending, they have a chance at upsetting them.”
Kelowna was outscored 15-7 in the four meetings during the regular season finishing 0-4.
With all the offensive weapons Seattle has, Bartel said the Rockets defense core is going to have to answer the call.
“They’re going to be challenged like never before. It will be interesting to see how they perform in this series and how much help the forwards give the defenseman,” he said. “It’s going to have to be a five-man unit defensively, to keep the Seattle Thunderbirds in check.”
Bartel said there are two players who could be x-factors in this series; forward Max Graham, and defenceman Jackson DeSouza.
“[Graham] can be a real force in this series. From a physical perspective, he’s got a scoring touch. I think if he plays at the line and not over the line in taking penalties, I believe he can be a dominating factor,” he explained. “Desouza’s a shot-blocking machine. He’s a big guy, works hard out there, and has got the experience playing against Seattle last year in the playoffs.”
Game 1 of the first-round series between the Seattle Thunderbirds and Kelowna Rockets is scheduled for Friday, March 31 at 7:05 p.m. PT in Kent, Wash. The series will shift to Kelowna for Game 3 on Tuesday, April 4 at 7:05 p.m. PT.
All games will be broadcasted on 104.7 The Lizard and RocketFAN.ca.
Published 2023-03-28 by Connor Chan
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