The Colorado Rockies opened up the PHL10 season on home ice against the Hartford Whalers. The Rockies, obviously still emotional regarding the news of Bob Probert's passing, came out on fire.
"We carried the play early, no question about that," said Coach Joey Kocur at the post-game press conference, "I actually think that's what hurt us. We were running on adrenaline, trying to do too much to win this for Bobby. With the boys not quite 100% in ideal game shape yet, you can't come out like that and expect to sustain it for 60 minutes."
The team took a 2-goal lead in the first 10 minutes on goals by former captain Garth Murray and young RW Grant Stevenson.
The Whalers got their first goal of the game with only 23 ticks on the clock left in the first period, and that seemed to deflate the Rockies... it was like they let that goal mean they had let down the memory of Bob Probert. The Whalers were able to go on to win the game 4-2.
"Its really too bad, you know," a somber GM Justin Livingston went on to add,"the team obviously put a lot of pressure on themselves to prove something tonight and it didn't turn out as planned. Hopefully the boys in Alaska can just relax and play like they know how... not put too much pressure on themselves, y'know? The Aces don't have anything they have to prove on opening night... neither did we."
Luckily for the shaken team, they were able to get right back on the ice for their second game of the season, in the Windy City against the 'Hawks.
The Rockies were able to calm down and play a steady, though not spectacular, road game. They were able to come out of there with a respectable 3-1 victory... more importantly, they were able to put the memory of the home opener behind them.
For the Colorado Complainer, this has been Nathan Livingston.