Rockets, Winterhawks series gets fiesty over past two contests

If the Kelowna Rockets managed to dispatch the Portland Winterhawks Friday — they led the series 3-1 but Game 5 wasn’t finished by press time — they’ll probably be glad it’s over.

Injuries and suspensions marred the two games in Portland this week, with the WHL handing out seven games’ worth of suspensions and a handful of players hurt.

According to Kelowna Daily Courier reporter Larry Fisher, Kelowna’s Cal Foote took out Winterhawks’ regular season scoring leader Skyler McKenzie with a check to the head late in a Game 3 loss Tuesday. McKenzie hasn’t played since with a suspected concussion, and the league issued a three-game suspension to Foote Thursday as a result.

In the same game, Portland’s Evan Weinger hit Rockets rookie Erik Gardiner from behind and later given a two-game suspension. And Rockets blueliner Braydyn Chizen was hurt in a post-whistle “incident” by Alex Overhardt, who earned a one-game suspension. Fisher reports both Rockets aren’t expected back in the series.

Kelowna won Game 4 but Carsen Twarynski was handed a boarding major late and then given a one-game suspension.

Seattle in control

Every game in the Western Conference’s other semifinal series has been decided by one goal, but the Seattle Thunderbirds won all of them entering Friday’s Game 4 in Everett.

With their captain back in the lineup, they’re now a much more dangerous foe for anyone this post-season.

Matthew Barzal returned a month after contracting the mumps. He scored late in Game 3 Wednesday to force overtime, then ended it himself 90 seconds into the extra frame.

Barzal now has six points in the three games against the Silvertips.

“I feel good,” Barzal told Seattle Times reporter Geoff Baker, adding he thought he could have played in the first round of playoffs. “Once you get back in the game it comes back pretty quick.”

Broncos still ahead

Three overtime wins have the Swift Current Broncos in position to knock off the highly-favoured Regina Pats, but the WHL’s top team from the regular season fought off elimination Friday and certainly can’t be counted out.

Connor Hobbs and Nick Henry scored 38 seconds apart in the second period of a 3-2 Game 5 win in Regina, forcing Game 6 Sunday in Swift Current.

Sam Steel had the other goal, while Colby Sissons and Game 4 triple overtime hero Glenn Gawdin replied for the Broncos, who still have a 3-2 series lead.