TALKING POINTS
The big question heading into this series was whether Everett’s short-handed defense could hold up against Portland’s explosive duo of Oliver Bjorkstrand and Nicolas Petan. But it was actually Everett’s offense that sprinted out of the gate. The Tips took a 2-0 lead in the first period and easily could have scored four. Then Everett scored again early in the second to go up 3-0. That was pretty much the difference in the game. Portland improved in the second half of the game and had a lot of possession, but the Tips eventually built a 5-1 lead before Portland made things interesting late.
Everett’s defense did a decent job against Bjorkstrand and Petan, holding them to a single assist. Those two still had flashes of danger. But if the Tips can force Portland to get its offense from the likes of Dominic Turgeon and Alex Schoenborn, I suspect they’ll be quite satisfied.
What struck me most about this game, however, is how completely different the feel was from the first-round series against Spokane. That’s not really surprising, considering the Chiefs and Winterhawks play completely different styles. But the games between Everett and Spokane were intense and physical affairs from beginning to end. In contrast, there was probably more open ice in this game alone than there was in the entire six-game series between the Tips and Chiefs, as the Winterhawks want to run and gun. It certainly made for a different kind of viewing experience.
TURNING POINT
At the end of the second period the Tips were leading 3-0, but Portland had taken over control of the puck, and the Winterhawks scored with 22.3 seconds remaining to cut Everett’s lead to 3-1. It seemed like Portland, having gained the possession advantage and gotten on the scoreboard in the last minute, was going to carry momentum into the third. However, Everett responded with a goal with just 2.2 seconds remaining. Time was winding down when the puck was rimmed to the left point. Everett defenseman Cole MacDonald sent a desperation shot toward goal, and it deflected off Jake Mykitiuk and into the top corner, making it 4-1 and putting a halt to Portland’s momentum.
THREE STARS
First star: Remi Laurencelle, Everett. Two goals, both during the stretch that gave the Tips their 3-0 lead.
Second star: MacDonald. Three assists, all three were primaries.
Third star: Ivan Nikolishin, Everett. Two assists, but wasn’t on my ballot.
The Herald’s honorable mention: Keegan Iverson, Portland. Two assists, also finished a plus-2.
BOX SCORE
SERIES SCHEDULE
Game 1: Everett 5, Portland 3 (Everett leads series 1-0)
Game 2: Portland at Everett, Saturday, 7:05 p.m.
Game 3: Everett at Portland, Thursday, 7 p.m.
Game 4: Everett at Portland, April 17, 7 p.m.
Game 5 (if necessary): Portland at Everett, April 19, 4:05 p.m.
Game 6 (if necessary): Everett at Portland, April 21, 7 p.m.
Game 7 (if necessary): Portland at Everett, April 22, 7:05 p.m.
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