Random thoughts before game five

• Sunshine greeted the Kelowna Rockets this morning as they made their way down for a pre-game skate. The Americans were on the ice upon their arrival and appeared to be a loose bunch prior to game five. Why wouldn't they be? They have a 3-1 lead in the series, with three chances to put the Rockets away. All the pressure is on the Rockets.
• The Americans are no strangers to being in this position. In an opening round series against Chilliwack, the Am's had a 3-1 lead only to lose game five at the Toyota Center. A game six back in Chilliwack saw the Americans end the best of seven series with a 4-1 win.
• I spoke to Americans forward Kruise Reddick this morning. The 19 year-old scored the game winning goal on the power play Wednesday night. I've always believed interviewing a player from the opposition gives our radio listeners a better appreciation of an individual who's name bar is the only thing that separates him from his teammates. Reddick was a pleasure to interview. He comes out of the Americans dressing room with a smile on his face and a hand shake. I should have figured he was a good guy. Reddick is from Manor Saskatchewan.
• The Americans are not immune to losing three straight games. The Am's lost three games in three nights from March 5th to the 7th. Those losses came to the hands of Chilliwack, Portland and Seattle.
• Today is April 9th. The last time the Rockets played a game on April 9th was back in 2006. The Rockets were a 3-2 winner over Everett.
• The leading scorer in this series for the Rockets is Brandon McMillan. McMillan has 3+2=5 in four games. Justin Feser is the Am's top scorer in this series. Feser has 1+4=5. McMillan and Sergei Drowzd both have three goals in this series to lead all goal scorers.
• The Americans have opened the scoring in three straight games. Rockets forward Geordie Wudrick opened the scoring in game one.
• You have to give credit to the Tri City Herald newspaper for sending beat writer Annie Fowler on the road. In a day where the newspaper business is trying to keep their head above water, the Herald has forked out some cash to send Fowler on the road to cover the team. The same can't be said for the Kelowna Daily Courier, who is working with a small sports department which consists of just two writers/reporters. Rockets beat writer Doyle Potenteau is covering the road games from the comfort of his desk at the Courier's downtown offices. Under the circumstances, Potenteau is doing a great job.
• Speaking of Fowler, the rumour around the arena is she threatened the Herald editor with her finger nails to let her cover the Americans on the road during the playoffs. I guess she threatened to scratch the editor to death if she didn't get her way. If you haven't see them - the finger nails - they are worth a look. How she types with those things is beyond me.
• I was going to post the photo, but I forgot my camera in Kelowna. I nice added touch at the Toyota Center is a sign entering the visitors broadcast location that says 'Kelowna Rockets radio broadcast booth', with the Rockets logo on it. Small detail yes. Appreciated? Absolutely!