TALKING POINTS
Well, the Tips pulled out two points they probably didn’t deserve tonight. Spokane outshot Everett 55-30, but Zach Hamill scored the tying goal with 1:17 remaining in regulation, Kyle Beach and Dan Gendur scored in the shootout, and Leland Irving made 53 saves during the game and two more in the shootout. I don’t have the information right at hand, but I suspect the 53 saves are a Silvertips record. At least I can’t think of any other instances where an Everett goaltender topped the 50-save mark.
This one was a great game to watch for a fan, though the Everett supporters probably found it a little tense. And the second period had about as much action as any period I’ve seen this season. But Spokane controlled the third period and Everett was fortunate to find their way back after going behind.
A few random notes:
– Former Everett captain Cody Thoring was in attendance tonight. Thoring, who’s attending the University of Regina, is sitting out the hockey season to allow his back to continue healing from the hit that ended his season a year ago. However, he said he’s feeling good and should be ready to go for the Cougars next season.
– Would someone please do something about the strap on Jonathan Harty’s helmet? His helmet has popped off at least once in each of the last four home games.
– If you’re coming to tomorrow’s game you may want to bring your radio and headphones. Tips broadcaster Jon Rosen scored an interview with Wayne Gretzky today, which he plans on airing during tomorrow’s second intermission.
TURNING POINT
Everett’s been pretty hopeless when pulling the goaltender for an extra attacker this season. But this time it worked as on a scramble in front Hamill was able to slip a shot through traffic and Spokane goaltender Dustin Tokarski to tie it up.
HIT OF THE DAY
Everett’s Jonathan Harty was a one-man wrecking crew out there tonight. He had any number of worthy hits, but his best sequence came late in the second period when he destroyed Chris Burton and Mitch Wahl along the boards in succession. Wahl took umbrage and retaliated by cross checking Harty in the face, earning a match penalty for attempt to injure.
THREE STARS
First star: Irving, Everett. Fifty-three saves pretty much says it all, though I’m not sure I can point to a save where he robbed the Chiefs of a goal.
Second star: Beach, Everett. Finally snapped his four-game stretch of hard luck with a goal. Also had an assist and scored in the shootout.
Third star: Judd Blackwater, Spokane. Scored both Spokane goals and just missed his hat trick in overtime.
The Herald’s honorable mention: Harty, Everett. Not only did he dish out the hits all night, he also had the best save of the night when he dived behind Irving to prevent a goal late in the first period.
LINEUP NOTES
Everett got one of its three ailing veteran defensemen back as Graham Potuer returned after four games out ill. Defensemen Taylor Ellington (foot) and Mike Alexander (shoulder) remain out for a couple more weeks. Forwards Jordan Mistelbacher and Eric English were healthy scratches. Mistelbacher was scratched in all likelihood because of the parents-weekend desire to get everyone in the lineup at least once during the weekend’s two games.
Spokane was missing a pair of depth forwards as Tyler Johnson is out with the flu and Curtis Kelner is nursing a shoulder injury. Both are expected back next week when the Chiefs and Tips play twice, but their absences meant Spokane dressed seven defensemen. Defenseman Jace Coyle was a healthy scratch.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
