ISight Optometry Game Recap: Rockets Playoff Run Ends with 2-1 Overtime Loss in Everett
The Kelowna Rockets were led by an outstanding performance from Josh Banini, who stopped 53 of 55 shots, but a late push wasn’t enough as they fell 2–1 in overtime to the top-seeded Everett Silvertips. Shane Smith’s late third-period goal tied the game and gave Kelowna life, but Everett responded in overtime as Landon Dupont scored the winner to secure the victory and help the Silvertips move on. Despite being heavily outshot 55–31, the Rockets generated more high-danger chances but couldn’t solve Silvertips goaltender Anders Miller, who was outstanding throughout the series.
GAME SUMMARY
The opening frame was fast-paced with both teams trading chances early. The Everett Silvertips held the edge in shots, outshooting the Kelowna Rockets 15–9, but Josh Banini was sharp in the Rockets net, turning aside everything he faced. Kelowna had a couple of looks on the power play but couldn’t capitalize, sending the game to the intermission scoreless.
Everett continued to push the pace in the second, outshooting Kelowna 16–9 and controlling much of the territorial play. Despite that, the Rockets created some of the more dangerous opportunities, forcing Anders Miller into key saves. Neither side found a breakthrough, keeping the game locked at 0–0 through 40 minutes.
Everett finally broke through at 11:34 of the third as Carter Bear (2) scored shorthanded glove side to give the Silvertips a 1–0 lead.
The Rockets pressed late and were rewarded when Shane Smith (2) tied the game at 18:47, finishing a play from Carson Wetsch and Vojtech Cihar mirroring the previous game where Smith also scored late to force overtime.
In overtime, it took just 40 seconds for Everett to strike, as a point shot from Landon Dupont found its way through traffic to secure a 2–1 victory and clinch the series.
While the series total box score may appear lopsided, the Rockets stayed competitive throughout and pushed the top-seeded Silvertips in every game. Banini was a standout, building off his relief performance in Game 4 where he stopped 29 straight shots. He finished Games 4 and 5 having turned aside a total of 82 of 84 shots.
ADDITIONAL STATS
Shots on Goal: Kelowna 31 | Everett 55
Power Play: Kelowna 0/3 | Everett 0/2
Faceoffs: Kelowna 30 | Everett 31
UP NEXT
The Rockets will now look towards the Memorial Cup which will begin May 21st at Prospera Place.
