After losing 4-2 Tuesday night to the Portland Winterhawks, the Kelowna Rockets played like winners again Wednesday.
The Rockets are up 3-1 in the best-of-seven series after winning 7-2 against the Winterhawks.
Carsen Twarynski opened scoring at 1:48 of the first period, a goal that Portland unsuccessfully challenged because they believed there was interference in their crease.
Reid Gardiner opened the second period with a pair of power play goals.
The Winterhawks responded on a power play, making it 3-1.
As the second period continued, Nick Merkley was knocked down into the Winterhawks crease by Portland’s Shaun Dosanjh, prompting a penalty shot. Merkley’s successful shot made it 4-1 for Kelowna.
Calvin Thurkauf added two more goals into the second period for Kelowna.
In the final minutes of the third, Portland scored on a power play to make it 6-2.
But Kelowna would have the last word.
Rodney Southam scored at 18:45 of the third period while the Rockets were short handed to make the final score 7-2.
The Rockets out shot the Winterhawks 40-37.
While Kelowna was 2/3 on the power plays, Portland was 2/5.
The Rockets are back on the bus to return to the Okanagan. They host the Winterhawks Friday night for game six.