Rockets vs. Blazers– Feb 14, 2025
Rockets vs. Blazers– Feb 15 2025
Final Score:
Blazers 3 – Rockets 1
Blazers 4 – Rockets 3
The Story: Blown Chances
With the losing streak dragging on, we had a prime opportunity to break it in a basement battle against the Blazers. Unfortunately, we just couldn’t capitalize. At first glance, the numbers look decent—plenty of power plays and a solid shot total—but dig a little deeper, and the cracks start to show. Our power play has been dreadful. When we actually set up in the zone, we looked like a functioning unit at times, but the majority of our efforts were spent struggling just to gain possession in the offensive zone. It was painful to watch. We went 0/5 in game one and 1/4 in game two.
To make matters worse, we suffered an epic collapse in a game we should have had in the bag, surrendering the tying goal and then the game-winner with just six seconds left. Brutal.
Stud of the Night: Levi Benson
Look who’s here again—pretty sure for the second time in a row! Benson has been on a tear, thriving in a top-six role with better linemates. His skating is creating space, and his hands are making plays. Things are looking promising for him heading into next season.
Word on the street is that with the Four Nations tournament happening, his older brother was in town from the Buffalo Sabres. Coincidence? Maybe. Could be he was showing off for big bro, or maybe some words of wisdom lit a fire under him. Whatever the case, keep it up, Benson. We love what we’re seeing.
Dud of the Night(s): Kalder Varga
I like Varga. I know, weird way to start the Dud of the Night, but hear me out. I think he’s got the highest potential of our young guys, and I fully expect him to take a big step next season. He’s quick, creative, and has dangles for days. He knows how to score goals, and he will—just not the way he’s playing right now.
He’s barely showing the flashes of skill that make him dangerous, and I had a front-row seat for a few times he got absolutely walked defensively. If defense isn’t going to be his strong suit, then he needs to be lights out offensively. Right now, he’s neither.
Final Thoughts
What can you even say about these games and the losing streak? It sucks, but it’s part of the plan. No one expected us to be this bad, but at least the draft pick is looking better by the day.
Stoesser got the start in both games and played well. Not out of his mind, but solid enough to give us a chance to win. No complaints there. One guy I’m gaining more appreciation for is Corbet. He plays the game hard, fast, and with an edge. We’ve nicknamed him the Honey Badger because, well, he doesn’t give an F. The only downside? When he drops the gloves, we lose him for five minutes, and we feel his absence on the ice. He was a strong candidate for Stud of the Night, with solid defensive efforts and cleaning up teammates’ mistakes, but Benson’s performance was just too good to ignore.
I can’t remember if Rocky was back for these games, but he’s definitely here now, and he was sorely missed in the crowd. Maybe we can sneak him into the opposing team’s dressing room to tie some skates together…
