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The Kelowna Rockets roared back from a 2-0 deficit to win game one of the third round 3-2.
A fast paced game from the first face-off to the final buzzer. (photo credit - KelownaNow)
The Portland Winterhawks jumped out to a quick lead scoring 35 seconds into game by beating Jackson Whistle on the glove hand side. Portland added to their lead by scoring the second goal of the game late in the first period making it 2-0. To make matters worse, the Rockets received a penalty at the buzzer meaning they would start the second down one man.
Adam Henry making it 2-0 for the Winterhawks with a backhand shot over the glove of Jackson Whistle (photo credit - KelownaNow)
With Josh Morrissey in the box to start the second, it was Madison Bowey who scored the shorthanded goal and shifted the momentum in favour of the Rockets.
Less than a minute later, Justin Kirkland tied it up with his first of the playoffs.
Justin Kirkland shown here scoring the tying goal was named the game's second star. (photo credit - KelownaNow)
From there the Rockets played a solid defensive game and outshot the Winterhawks in the second and third.
Late in the second, Rourke Chartier broke past the defence to get in all alone on Adin Hill and roofed it.
Rourke Chartier in all alone on Hill, Chartier was named the game's first star. (photo credit - KelownaNow)
Chartier's goal was his eighth of the playoffs and would prove to be the game winner.
No scoring in the third as the Rockets outshot the Winterhawks 18-7 and never really allowed a quality chance on Whistle in the final frame, not even with Hill out of the net for the final minute. Portland spent most of the final minute trying to stop an empty net goal.
Adin Hill was named the game's third star stopping 43 of 46 shots (photo credit - KelownaNow)
Both teams went 0-2 on the man advantage. The game was a fast paced affair with end to end action and sometimes went five minutes without a stoppage of play. The crowd may have been a contributing factor as well, staying with the Rockets and making noise even when down 2-0.
No call made on Keegan Iverson as he dumped Leon Draisaitl into the Winterhawk bench (photo credit - KelownaNow)
Game two goes Saturday night at Prospera Place.
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