The Kelowna Rockets have advanced to the WHL Western Conference Finals with a 6-2 win over the Portland Winterhawks on Friday night.
Reid Gardiner was outstanding in the win. With four goals and two assists, he was in on all six Rockets' goals.
Gardiner kicked off the scoring at 4:54 of the first period, putting the puck through traffic and past Cole Kehler on the power play. Next up, on another power play, Captain Rodney Southam batted in a rebound to put the team up by two. Just a few minutes later, Gardiner grabbed his second of the night, yet again, on the power play.
The Rockets had a cushy 3-0 lead heading into the second period, but the Winterhawks weren't about to let them move on to the third round easily. Joachim Blichfeld got the Hawks on the board at 7:06 of the second period, and just under two minutes later, Matt Revel picked up his third goal of the post season, and the Hawks were within one.
Hat trick goal for Reid Gardiner! His third of the night is his 11th of the post season #KELvsPOR #goalscorer #WHLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/jy2WjFrSGA
— Kelowna Rockets (@Kelowna_Rockets) April 15, 2017
The third period saw a lot of back and forth until Gardiner sent a perfect pass from Nick Merkley into the Hawks' net. He wasn't done yet though! Later in the period, Reid sniped again and beat Kehler blocker side. Dillon Dube (1G, 3A) sealed the deal with an empty netter 1:30 later.
Reid Gardiner now holds the lead in the league for goals (12) and points (22) in the post season. James Hilsendager also had a strong game, with a number of big hits and great defensive plays.
The team was impressive on the power play going 4-for-9, while Portland struggled and couldn't convert on four opportunities. The Rockets' penalty kill has been tough to beat in the post season. They have the best PK in the league at 90.7%.
Cole Kehler faced 43 Rockets' shots on Friday and stopped 38. Michael Herringer had a 27 save performance as the Hawks threw 29 shots his way.
Video highlights courtesy SendtoNews
The Rockets will now face the Seattle Thunderbirds, who are undefeated in the post season, in the Western Conference Finals. Game one will take place in Seattle on Friday, April 21st. Go Rockets Go!
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