Rockets extend streaks

Photo: Wayne Moore

Nolan Foote had a goal and two assists in the Rockets 5-4 win Wednesday.

You can make it 13 in a row on home ice and six straight overall for the streaking Kelowna Rockets.

It wasn't their best effort during the streak Wednesday, but timely scoring and a fortuitous goalpost propelled them to 5-4 victory over the Tri-City Americans.

The Rockets surrendered a two goal lead, but responded with goals 54 seconds during a wild first five minutes of the third, then held on for the win.

Tri-City erased a 3-2 third period deficit with goals two-and-a-half minutes apart, including a shorthanded effort 20 seconds into the final frame to take a 4-3 lead, their first of the game.

The Rockets responded 47 seconds later when Carsen Twarynski stole the puck behind the Americans' net and found Nolan Foote at the bottom of the faceoff circle. His one-timer beat Patrick Dea to the far side to knot the game at 4-4.

Just 54 seconds later, Connor Bruggen-Cate banged home a rebound for his second of the night with what stood up as the game winner.

"We were just thinking on the bench we have to keep a positive mind set, and know the game is close," said Bruggen-Cate after the team fell behind by a goal.

"Shoot the puck and hope for the best. We did that, and it worked in our favour."

Twarynski also scored twice for the Rockets who built a 3-1 lead after 20 minutes. Foote assisted on both.

Kelowna's second of the night spelled the end of the line for Tri-City starter Beck Warm. He was replaced by Dea after stopping just five of the seven shots directed his way.

Tri-City scored shortly after the goaltending change then picked up the lone goal in the middle frame on a power play to cut the deficit to just one.

With Dae on the bench for an extra attacker and the Americans buzzing around the Rockets net, Isaac Johnson hit the post during a wild scramble around James Porter with just seconds remaining.

"We didn't play our best game tonight, but did enough to win the game," said Rockets head coach Jason Smith.

"We got saves when we needed them and we capitalized on a few opportunities, which is great."

Smith says the players confidence is high as the streak has progressed.

"We are starting to play and compete for 60 minutes. When you do that, you given yourself a chance to win games.

"And, when you're in games and competing at a high level, you get the results you want."

The Rockets outshot Tri-City 36-28 as Porter won for the 16th time this season.

Kelowna looks to make it 14 straight on home ice when they entertain the Seattle Thunderbirds Friday in a rematch of last year's Western Conference final, which the T-Birds won in six.

If you're wondering where the current home ice streak ranks, the franchise record is 24 straight wins at home established during the 1992-1993 season when the team was still in Tacoma.

The Kelowna Rockets won 23 straight at Prospera Place during the 2012-2013 season.