Game 53: Calvin Pickard gets the shutout as Seattle powers their way past Kelowna
Feb 8, 2012, 9:54 PM
By Mike Caccioppoli
(19-32-1-1) Seattle Thunderbirds 2, (24-24-2-4) Kelowna Rockets 0
KELOWNA- Behind a 32 save shutout by Calvin Pickard the Thunderbirds special teams comes up big as two third period power play goals propel them to a win against the Rockets. The Birds six game losing streak comes to an end.
The Birds came out fairly strong but lost some of that momentum after only getting one shot on their first power play chance. The Rockets dominated the second half of the period and outshot Seattle 12-6 in a scoreless first period.
The game remained scoreless after 40 minutes. The Birds had to kill off six minutes of power play time for the Rockets. Seattle’s best chance to score came on their own power play late in the period and Jordon Cooke made a superb glove save, robbing Seth Swenson of a goal.
Shots through two periods were 23-17 in favor of Kelowna.
There were 47 seconds remaining on the power play for the Birds to begin the third period and Seth Swenson scored his 6th goal of the season to give Seattle a 1-0 lead. Shea Theodore and Connor Honey got the assists.
Colin Jacobs (6) put the Birds up 2-0 when he scored a power play goal at 8:55. Burke Gallimore and Shea Theodore got the assists.
A late power play chance for Kelowna allowed them to play the last 1:10 with a six on four advantage after pulling their goalie. Seattle was able to kill off the penalty and the final seconds as they break their six game losing streak with the 2-0 victory.
Plus side:
Special teams. We haven’t been able to put the special teams on the plus side much this season but tonight it certainly belongs here. They were 2 for 3 on the power play while Kelowna was 0 for 5.
Pickard. Calvin registered his 4th shutout of the season, a career high as he stopped all 32 shots.
Third period. The game was scoreless going into the third period and the Birds outshot Kelowna 13-9 while scoring two goals.
60 Minutes. Seattle plays a full 60 minutes of hockey. No issues with turnovers or lazy passing. The question is can they put in this kind of effort the rest of the way. This team can ill afford another extended losing streak.
Theodore. A tough game for Shea in Spokane on Monday night and he rebounds with a two point night.
Minus side:
None.
Game Notes:
–F Connor Sanvido, D Jared Hauf and D Evan Wardley were healthy scratches.
-F/D Mitch Elliot played his second game on the blue line.
-Seattle improves to 9-17-1 on the road. They are 2-1 vs. Kelowna (2-0 road, 0-1 home).
–Calvin Pickard improves to 19-27-1-1. Jordon Cooke falls to 6-6-2-2.
Thunderbirds second half record: 6-15-1.
710Sports.com three stars:
First star: Calvin Pickard (32 save shutout)
Second star: Shea Theodore (two assists)
Third star: Cason Machacek (solid effort both ends of the ice)
The Thunderbirds play Friday night in Spokane against the Chiefs. Game time is 7:05 pm and the action can be heard live at 710Sports.com.
Game summary is on the WHL website.
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