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Rockets in playoff dogfight

The Kelowna Rockets have the tougher road ahead as they try to hold onto the final playoff spot in the BC Division of the Western Hockey League.

The Rockets own a slim one-point lead on the Kamloops Blazers heading into the final weekend of the regular season, but have the tougher match-up of the two.

Kelowna will close out the regular season against the BC Division champion Vancouver Giants while the Blazers close out the season with a home-and-home set with the cellar-dwelling Prince George Cougars.

The Rockets have just one win against the Giants in the six head-to-head meetings between the two clubs – a shootout win in Langley earlier in the year. They have also been held to one or fewer goals in four of the six games.

While they have long-since clinched the BC Division, the Giants still have something to play for as they battle the Everett Silvertips for the top record in the Western Conference and home-ice advantage through the first three rounds of the playoffs.

The Blazers meanwhile have won five of their six meetings with the Cougars. The only loss, a shootout loss last month.

The Cougars have also won just twice over their last 25 games, with only one coming in regulation time, a 5-2 win over Portland in their last game Saturday.

The Rockets play in Langley Friday before closing out at home Saturday.

They will wear special superhero-themed jersey's for the regular season finale. A draw will be held during the game to determine which fans get a chance to walk away with one of the special sweaters.



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