ROCKETS HOST AMERICANS FRIDAY ON SPORTSNET

ROCKETS WELCOME AMERICANS, LIVE ON SPORTSNET – Madison Bowey and the Kelowna Rockets host Brian Williams and the Tri-City Americans for Game 5 of their Western Conference first-round series in WHL playoff action on Friday night, live on SPORTSNET (7:30pm PT; Sportsnet East, Ontario, Pacific).

The Rockets currently lead the best-of-seven opening-round set three games to one, and can win the series and advance to the second round of the playoffs with a victory on Friday night.  The Rockets posted identical 3-1 wins in Games 1 and 2 in Kelowna last weekend.  Kelowna has given up just one goal on 15 Ams’ power play chances in the series.

The Americans find themselves on the brink of elimination from the post-season, and will need to rattle of three straight wins over the WHL’s top Club if they want to move on to the next round.  The Americans have been outshot 168-124 through the first four games of the series.  Williams has three goals and five points through the first four games.

In other WHL playoff action on Friday, Ryan Pulock and the Brandon Wheat Kings host Chandler Stephenson and the Regina Pats for Game 4 of their opening-round series.

The Wheat Kings currently hold a commanding 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, and can advance to the second round of the playoffs with a victory on Friday.  The Pats have given up 19 goals in three games to the high-octane Wheat Kings.

In Everett, WA, Josh Winquist and the Everett Silvertips host Alex Delnov and the Seattle Thunderbirds for Game 4 of their Western Conference first-round match-up.

The Thunderbirds skated to a 4-3 win in overtime over the ‘Tips on Wednesday night in Kent, WA, giving them a 3-0 series lead.  The Silvertips, who are on the verge of playoff elimination, have managed just five goals in three games versus the T-birds.

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