The Game
The Silvertips’ recent scoring struggles would have to be concerning. OK, they haven’t exactly been known for their offensive prowess, but Friday’s 2-1 loss at Tri-City was their third consecutive defeat and third consecutive game with one or fewer goals. Even the two wins before this losing streak were 2-1 verdicts over Kamloops and Saskatoon.
Leading goal-scorer Remi Laurencelle is scoreless in his last six games though that comes on the heels of a six goals-in-seven games stretch. And Laurencelle has had three other stretches of four or more games without a goal, so perhaps that’s not cause for alarm.
I’m not sure what happened to backup goaltender Mario Petit who was scheduled to get the start only to be scratched right before game time.
Starting goaltender Carter Hart had 15 stops on 17 shots, but you have to think fatigue may have been a factor after playing in the Top Prospects Game last night. With three games in three nights this weekend you had to figure Petit would get his chance and Friday figured to be the logical choice with the T-Birds in town Saturday and Spokane on Sunday. We’ll see how that plays out as the weekend progresses.
The Tips managed 30 shots to the Americans’ 17, but Tri-City G Evan Sarthou – a native of Black Diamond, Washington – was brilliant with 29 saves.
Both teams were assessed two penalties and each had a lone power play. The final penalties came at 12:17 in the second when Tri-City’s Maxwell James was whistled for hooking Laurencelle, who was subsequently whistled for embellishment. That’s a call I have a hard time understanding, but I’m certainly no officiating expert. No team had an infraction over the final 27-plus minutes.
The Turning Point
At 14:40 in the second period Tri-City’s Parker Wotherspoon collected the rebound of his own miss and put it past Hart for the 2-0 lead.
Three Stars
1. Tri-City G Evan Sarthou: Sarthou had 29 saves on 30 shots.
2. Tri-City F Parker Bowles: Bowles assisted both Americans goals.
3. Tri-City C Austyn Playfair
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