Finals game one

Decent game tonight, not a classic of entertainment but an OK start to the series between two teams that were probably feeling each other out a little bit.

Obviously as a Hitmen fan I'm disappointed in the outcome but you really have to give credit to Kelowna for their strong defensive effort in the game. Every time a Calgary player touched the puck they immediately had a big red blanket on them, and that's the way you want to play in the playoffs - don't give the other team an inch of space.

Not a strong goaltending game, I didn't think....for Calgary, Jones should have had the first Kelowna goal for sure, while at the other end Guggenberger looked like he was fighting the puck on a number of shots, with some bad rebounds and juggling of the puck - plus he was saved by the post on three or four shots. Neither goalie really made any big, goal-saving stops either.

Kelowna was also a lot more physical in the game than the Hitmen were, which kind of surprised me that Calgary was so passive, so tentative in that area of the game. The Hitmen brought the physical game in the 2nd period and it's not a coincidence that the 2nd was their best period. They need to play that way more consistently.

The Hitmen's winning streak is over, so they'll remain tied for the longest playoff win streak at 12 games, instead of claiming it all to themselves. And the Rockets have now taken home ice advantage away from Calgary, so the Hitmen now need to win a game in Kelowna to win the series.

Game two is tomorrow night. I expect a much stronger effort from Calgary, as they definitely won't want to lose the first two games at home.