TALKING POINTS
This was one the Tips really needed to win. Everett came out much stronger than it did in Game 3, and Portland’s top players weren’t quite at their best. If ever there was a combination of circumstances where the Tips could win one on the road, this was it.
But for all the quality scoring chances Everett had in the first period — it was more than the Tips had in the entirety of Game 3, even including the three garbage-time goals — the Tips couldn’t covert and came away from one of their three best periods of the series with a scoreless tie. If Everett gets a reward for its play in the first period, maybe this series is tied heading back to Everett for Sunday’s Game 5. Instead, Portland has a 3-1 series lead and the Tips have their backs against the wall.
The game-winning goal in overtime — the fifth time Everett needed extra time in 10 playoff games — had a touch of fortune about it. Portland’s Nicolas Petan tried to force a pass from the right point through the defense. It deflected off the defenders, but right into the path of Winterhawks defenseman Blake Heinrich who was pinching from the point. Heinrich swept a backhander past Everett goaltender Carter Hart to end the game.
But while the goal came as the result of a fortunate bounce, it still came with the run of play. Everett was great in the first period and solid in the second, holding a 25-15 shot advantage through 40 minutes. But Portland had more of the puck in the third period — though both teams had good scoring chances — as Everett’s depleted defense began to tire.
TURNING POINT
The first period was crucial to this game. Everett needed to get something for its efforts in the first. That Portland was able to hold Everett at bay set up the rest of the game.
THREE STARS
First star: Adin Hill, Portland. 30 saves, rock solid, but I’m not sure he needed to make as many good saves as Hart, who was equally good.
Second star: Heinrich. One goal, it won the game.
Third star: Chase De Leo, Portland. One goal, not sure he did a whole lot else.
The Herald’s honorable mention: Ben Betker, Everett. One goal, got himself involved in the rush from his defensive position repeatedly, and must have logged 30-plus minutes.
BOX SCORE
SERIES SCHEDULE
Game 1: Everett 5, Portland 3
Game 2: Portland 4, Everett 2 (2OT)
Game 3: Portland 5, Everett 3
Game 4: Portland 3, Everett 1 (OT) (Portland leads series 3-1)
Game 5 : Portland at Everett, Sunday, 4:05 p.m.
Game 6 (if necessary): Everett at Portland, Tuesday, 7 p.m.
Game 7 (if necessary): Portland at Everett, Wednesday, 7:05 p.m.
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