The Kelowna Rockets spotted Portland a four goal lead, but were unable to claw their way back, falling 4-2 Saturday

Photo: Keith Dwuggins/Portland Winterhawks

Stop me if you've heard this one before.

The Kelowna Rockets give up multiple goals in the opening period, find themselves down early, but manage to scratch and claw their way back to earn at least a single point.

The Rockets again found themselves down big early Saturday in Portland, but the Winterhawks flipped the script this time, hanging on for a 4-2 victory.

It was the Rockets first regulation-time loss since a 7-2 defeat at the hands of the Vancouver Giants more than three weeks ago.

Since then, they had gone 6-0-0-2, the two shootout losses both coming at the hands of the Winterhawks.

As has been the case numerous times this season, the Rockets got down early, spotting Portland a 4-0 first period lead.

Marcus Nguyen, Gabe Klassen, Dawson Pasternak and Jaydon Dureau all beat starter Colby Knight, who was lifted in favour of Talyn Boyko after the fourth goal.

Head coach Kris Mallette says he didn't pull Knight because of his play, but rather because of the way the team was playing in front of him.

The Rockets battled back in the second to give themselves a chance.

Colton Dach banged home a rebound 26 seconds into the middle frame, then Jake Lee spotted Turner McMillen alone in front for his second of the season.

But, despite three straight power play, the Rockets were unable to get any closer.

The Rockets try to snap their two-game skid when they begin a home-and-home with Spokane in the Washington State city.

The two teams play a return engagement at Prospera Place next Friday.