TALKING POINTS
Everett’s winning streak reached double digits after a hard-working effort tonight against a determined opponent in an intense game. The 10-game winning streak means the Tips have caught Vancouver for second place in the Western Conference. Passing the Giants would mean little to Everett in the first round of the playoffs as the division champions receive the top two seeds regardless of positioning within the conference. However, beyond the first round seeding is determined by points, so finishing ahead of the B.C. Division champion is still potentially significant.
It was also a historic moment for Tips winger Shane Harper. Harper scored his 87th career goal for Everett. That gives him a share of the franchise record for career goals alongside Zach Hamill. It was an anti-climatic way to tie the record, however, as the goal was originally awarded to Chris Langkow before being changed during the intermission.
Kent Simpson had a solid game in net for the Tips. Nice to see Simpson have a strong showing the night of the CHL Top Prospects Game, to which he wasn’t invited.
But Simpson had plenty of help tonight. Particularly in the third period when the Giants, pressing for the tying goal, weren’t really allowed any good scoring chances.
Note that despite Everett’s streak, it isn’t even the longest active streak in the league. Kootenay beat Swift Current 8-6 tonight for its 13th consecutive victory.
TURNING POINT
Vancouver had just opened the scoring midway through the second period when the Tips answered 1:02 later. Scott MacDonald sent a blind backhanded pass from behind the net out front, and Clayton Cumiskey snuck a shot through Vancouver goalie Mark Segal’s five-hole to tie it up. The Tips went on to score three goals in seven minutes to take control of the game.
HIT OF THE DAY
Midway through the first period Everett’s Radko Gudas lined up James Henry, but Henry ended up getting the better of it as Gudas was flattened into the boards.
THREE STARS
First star: Simpson. 28 saves and was well composed.
Second star: Kevin Connauton, Vancouver. A goal and an assist, more involved offensively than any other defenseman I’ve seen this season.
Third star: MacDonald. One assist, and that assist was a beauty.
The Herald’s honorable mention: Cumiskey. One goal as Everett’s third line had another solid game.
BOX SCORE
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