Rockets Eliminate Giants

It wasn't easy, but the Kelowna Rockets have moved on to round two of the Western Hockey League playoffs.

The Rockets eliminated the pesky Vancouver Giants in six hard fought games, beating the Giants 3-2 Saturday night. After following behind 2 games to 1 in the series, the Rockets reeled off three straight victories to move on to the Western Conference semi-finals.

Rookie Lauris Darzins snapped a 2-2, burying the rebound of a Brett Howarth shot 10:14 in the final period. For Darzins, it was his 2nd game winner in three games. He also notched the game winner in overtime in game 4.

The Giants opened the scoring on Mitch Bartley's shorthanded goal in the opening period. Justin Keller replied with his 5th of the series on the same power play.

Tyler Spurgeon gave the Rockets their first lead of the game with the lone goal of the second period, as the Rockets took a one goal lead into the final period. Barley's second of the night at 3:43 of the third tied the game, before Darzin's heroics.

Kelowna outshot Vancouver in every game of the series, including 36-30 Saturday.

The Rockets now have a few days off as they await to see who they will face in round two of the WHL playoffs. If Kootenay is victorious over Kamloops, the Rockets will face Seattle. If the Blazers can eliminate Kootenay, the Rockets would meet the Blazers in the next round. Either way, game one of the next series will be next Friday night at Prospera Place.