Andrew Cristall and Colton Dach had career high five-point nights in Kelowna’s 8-4 win over Vancouver – WHL – Castanet.net
Kris Mallette will not hold up Saturday’s game tape as an example of how to get ready for the playoffs.
The Rockets head coach was less than impressed with the loosey-goosey way his team came out, despite their 8-4 win over the visiting Vancouver Giants.
The game resembled more a pre season pond hockey game at times than one involving a team trying to get its game tuned up for the playoffs which begin in two weeks.
It’s a choice these guys have to make. Realistically, we want to be peaking at the right time coming into the playoffs. We want to make sure our habits and structure are all there,”said Mallette after the game.
“Good teams are going to make you pay, and if we make the types of decisions we were making tonight it will be in the back of our net, and before you know it, the season will be over.
“I think our last three games were not habit building, habit forming games by any means. We got lucky a few times, and fortunate to be up. And, I really didn’t like the way we finished the game.”
The third period wound down with the Giants enjoying a man advantage for much of the last half of the period
“I didn’t like the stuff at the end. As a penalty killer to have to kill six or seven minutes to finish the game…that could hurt somebody.
“Someone has to block a shot, someone has to sacrifice for an ill-advised penalty and that was my message to them. Along with those habits, we’re not going to be that team that implodes. You have to control your emotions.”
On the plus side, Andrew Cristall established a new team record for goals by a 16-year-old scoring his 25th and 26th of the season, eclipsing the previous record of 25 set by Shane McColgan and Nick Merkley.
“It’s super special. It’s so amazing…Shane McColgan and Nick Merkley, two great players with the Rockets and the history they have,” said Cristall.
“Just to be in the same sentence as those guys, it’s pretty cool. I’m really happy about it.”
His career-best five point night gives him 65 on the season, four behind Merkley’s point record (69) for a 16-year-old.
“The kid seems to find ways. He’s going to be special…he already is,” said Mallette.
“To play the role that he’s playing already at 16…he’s going to be a big part of our team with Marcus Pacheco, Caden Price as 05’s and our 04 group, Graham, Flamand, Babcock and Kykkanen. We’ve got a good core for sure.”
Mark Liwiski, who had struggled with just a goal and three assists over his last 12 games found himself slotted alongside Cristall and Colton Dach…and the pairing worked.
Liwiski had two goals and two assists, including a highlight reel backhand deke on a breakaway. The line accounted for 14 points as Dach also had a career best five point night including four assists to go along with an empty net tally.
Adam Kydd had two goals and an assist while Pavel Novak added a goal and an assist in the win.
Talyn Boyko turned aside 30 shots to earn his 27th win in a Kelowna uniform.
Mallette expects the Rockets to be better Sunday afternoon when they host the same Giants at Prospera Place.
Faceoff Sunday is 4 p.m.