Rockets Take 3-2 Series Lead

The Kelowna Rockets scored 2 goals in a span of 65 seconds midway through the second period en route to a 3-2 home ice victory over the Vancouver Giants Friday night. The win gives the Rockets a 3-2 lead in the best of seven series. They can wrap it up in Vancouver Saturday night.

Captain Brett Palin, who scored just 4 goals during the regular season, scored what proved to be the winning goal with a booming slapshot from the top of the right face-off circle. The goal came just after Lauris Darzins had evened the score at 2 from the slot on a Rockets power play.

For just the 2nd time in the series, the Rockets scored 1st, as Blake Comeau opened the scoring with his first of the series, also on a power play. Adam Courchaine tied it at 1 before the opening period had ended.

Paul Albers gave the Giants a 2-1 lead on a Vancouver power-play early in the 2nd.

The Rockets were 2-5 on the power play, and outshot Vancouver 28-25 on the night.

Game 6 in the series is Saturday in Vancouver, with game 7 if necessary back here at Prospera Place next Wednesday.