The first sellout crowd of the 2015 playoffs at Prospera Place were in the game from the moment the boys walked through the tunnel.
Noise makers in hand, the crowd of 6,261 were the effective seventh man for the Kelowna Rockets as they took the 3-2 lead in the best of seven series.
The Rockets weathered the expected initial storm from the Winterhawks and scored late in the first period to take a 1-0 lead despite being outshot 16-8. Riley Stadel converted a Nick Merkley pass to record his third of the playoffs.
Jackson Whistle was named the game's first star for his 42 0f 43 stops in the overtime game. (photo credit KelownaNow)
Riley Stadel puts his third of the playoffs past Adin Hill. (photo credit KelownaNow)
No scoring in the second period as the two teams exchanged ten shots each. Tyrell Goulbourne left in the second period and did not return after a hit on the side boards.
The Rockets were caught protecting a lead late in the third period and Nic Petan capitalized on it scoring his 10th of the playoffs on Jackson Whistle who to that point was unbeatable.
A late goal in the third by Nic Petan forces overtime. (photo credit KelownaNow)
No other goals were scored in regulation forcing overtime for the first time in the round three series.
The shots after three periods favoured the Winterhawks 39 to 29.
In the extra frame it was the Adin Hill show as he made incredible stop after incredible stop. The Rockets outshot the Winterhawks 20-4 in the extra period before Tyson Baillie, better known as Mr. Clutch scored the game winner off a pass for line-mate Dillon Dube. The goal came after 14:55 was played in the period.
Tyson Baillie scores yet another playoff overtime winner. This goal makes it five game winners for the 2015 playoffs and two of those in overtime and back in 2013 the overtime winner in game seven vs Seattle. (photo credit KelownaNow)
Line-mate Dillion Dube assisted on the game winner. (photo credit KelownaNow)
Everything but the kitchen sink thrown at Adin Hill in the overtime period. (photo credit KelownaNow)
Hill was nothing short of amazing in the game including this overtime glove hand save. He was named the game's second star. (photo credit KelownaNow)
Tyrell Goulbourne left the game in the second period after a hit in the side boards. (photo credit KelownaNow)
The hit of the game came when Madison Bowey dumped #25 Weinger into the Rockets bench. He is seen here getting out. (photo credit KelownaNow)
Captain of the Winterhawks, Nic Petan with the lone goal for Portland. (photo credit KelownaNow)
Game six in the series is back in Portland on Sunday, a 5 p.m. start at Portland's Moda Center.
Game seven if necessary will be held in Kelowna on Tuesday May 5.
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