The Kelowna Rockets are getting hot at the right time.
On Wednesday night, the Rockets dominated the Tri-City Americans 6-1, to collect their fifth win in their last six games.
After Tri-City opened the scoring, the game became all Rockets. It started in the final minute of the first period when Hiroki Gojsic scored a powerplay goal to tie the game. His 18th goal of the year was assisted by Michael Cicek and Tij Iginla.
The big man in front ties it up.
— Kelowna Rockets (@Kelowna_Rockets) March 7, 2024
Hiroki Gojsic extends his point streak to seven games with his 18th goal of the season. #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/dtq9GL5b8l
In the second period, Gabriel Szturc found the back of the net for the 28th time this season, assisted by Andrew Cristall at the 5:42 mark of the frame.
That Andrew Cristall ➡️ Gabriel Szturc connection.#ALLCAPS | #GoBolts pic.twitter.com/FDBAJEHa5a
— Kelowna Rockets (@Kelowna_Rockets) March 7, 2024
Later in the period, in the span of 36 seconds, Iginla and Gojsic each scored and assisted on each other’s goals to make it 4-1.
never give up, never back down!
— Kelowna Rockets (@Kelowna_Rockets) March 7, 2024
Tij Iginla follows up on his first attempt to net goal number 43.#NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/G8TGAOjQkb
Gojsic’s goal was his second of the game, 19th of the season while Iginla’s goal was his team-leading 43rd of the campaign.
hot hot hiroki gojsic 🔥#NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/r2H1he5f0E
— Kelowna Rockets (@Kelowna_Rockets) March 7, 2024
In the final frame, Max Graham scored a shorthanded goal, assisted by Szturc and Ethan Mittelsteadt. It was the Kelowna native’s 15th goal of the season.
With just over a minute to go, Luke Schelter added his 13th goal of the season, helped out by Caden Price and Cicek.
Jari Kykkanen made 26 saves in the win.
The Rockets have collected 11 of a possible 12 points in their last six games and are now 29-28-3-1 on the season, sitting seventh in the Western Conference. With seven games left to go in the season, they are just one point behind the Vancouver Giants for sixth in the conference.
A rivalry will be reunited this upcoming weekend as the Rockets are set to play a home-and-home with the Kamloops Blazers (20-35-3-3). Friday night’s game is at 7:05 p.m. at Prospera Place while Saturday night is taking place at Kamloops’ Sandman Centre at 6 p.m.
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