Day 29: SOC@ROV review

In their first game in the post-Nylander era, the Rovers continued their winning ways with a 2-1 home-ice victory over the Sockeyes. The win kept them a point up on South Edmonton in the Champions standings, just a point back of the Mounties. The Rovers again jumped all over their opponent, outshooting the Sockeyes 45-17, including 25-7 in the second period. Rookie Patrice Bergeron, playing in his first RHL game, scored on his first shot on goal (his only shot of the game) early in the second period to open the scoring. Bergeron was playing in place of fellow rookie Nathan Horton, who missed his first game due to his right shoulder injury. "It was great to get into the lineup and contribute", Bergeron said after the game. "I'll never forget it. The puck will hold a prominent place in my collection."

The injury to Horton gave the coaching staff an opportunity to shake up the lower lines, which they did by promoting winger Ryan Malone to the third line to join Jokinen and Bergeron. Malone assisted on both goals as a result of the shift. "We were really pleased with Malone's play today. We have seen it in practice and in limited shifts from the fourth line, but he played with two really good players tonight and he showed what he is capable of", Stringer said of his his winger.

A number of scouts from various teams were in attendance in Iqaluit, and it was questioned whether Malone's promotion was a showcasing to other teams. "Ryan Malone is a Rover and is playing very well. We changed up the lines, that's all. You guys read too much into things like that some times."