Nick Patterson
TALKING POINTS
This was a surprisingly one-sided game. Consider:
– Everett and Seattle are local rivals.
– They played a ton of competitive and compelling games the past three seasons.
– Both are much improved this season and trying to prove themselves.
– Both were looking to rebound after off bad losses the previous night.
– And it was a sold out crowd.
I was expecting a competitive and compelling game full of excitement. But this one was never really a contest.
I’m not sure how much of it was Everett playing well and how much of it was Seattle not playing well, but the T-birds went nearly half the game without a real shot on goal. Until Adam Henry’s shot at 8:58 of the second period Seattle had two shots on net — one a deflected outlet pass that trickled to Everett goaltender Daniel Cotton, one a penalty-kill clear that rolled its way to Cotton. The Tips ended up outshooting Seattle 35-16.
But while it may not have been competitive, it was just what the doctor ordered for the Tips. Everett had an awful start Friday night against Brandon, the Tips started much better tonight. Everett allowed 17 goals the previous three games, the Tips got the shutout tonight.
It’s a long time before these teams meet again. Everett and Seattle don’t play again until a home-and-home set to open the second half on Dec. 27-28, and nine of the 10 games between the two come after Christmas.
TURNING POINT
Ben Betker gave the Tips a dream start when his wrister from the point got under Seattle goaltender Danny Mumaugh just 53 seconds into the game. The Tips needed a good start after the previous night’s debacle, and the early goal gave Everett the platform from which to impose its will on the game.
THREE STARS
First star: Joshua Winquist, Everett. Two goals, he now has 15 points in his past five games.
Second star: Betker. One goal and one assist, also did his part in helping shut down the Seattle offense.
Third star: Carson Stadnyk, Everett. One goal and one assist, was very persistent.
The Herald’s honorable mention: Ivan Nikolishin, Everett. One goal and one assist, shifty with his skating.
BOX SCORE
