Everett 4, Prince George 2
Published 10:58 pm Friday, February 8, 2008
TALKING POINTS
Well, the losing streak is over. After running the gauntlet of Kelowna, Vancovuer and Spokane, I’m sure the Tips were happy to see Prince George on the schedule. But the Cougars gave Everett all it could handle, twice taking the lead before the Tips won it in the third period.
In truth, tonight’s game didn’t look all that different from the previous five losses. Everett worked hard and kept the puck in the offensive zone for lengthy stretches. However, this time the Tips were able to convert that pressure into a couple goals.
Good effort by Everett’s short-handed defense. The youngsters appear to be making progress.
TURNING POINT
After Everett controlled the first two periods and kept falling behind, Prince George came on in the third. However, Leland Irving made two big saves when it was still 2-2, then made a huge double stop on Jordie Deagle and Justin Maylan shortly after the Tips took the lead, saving the day for the Tips.
HIT OF THE DAY
In the first period Everett’s Matt Ius just crushed Matt Cumming, sending Cumming high into the boards and prompting Prince George’s Garrett Thiessen to instigate a fight with Ius.
THREE STARS
First star: Vitaly Karamnov, Everett. A goal, an assist and plenty of hard work in the offensive zone in his first game back from his shoulder injury.
Second star: Dane Crowley, Everett. With the Tips short-handed on defense he logged a ton of ice time, most of it againt Prince George’s lone dangerous line, and basically didn’t give up anything. Best player on the ice tonight for my money.
Third star: Dana Tyrell, Prince George. A penalty-shot goal and always dangerous. He deserves better teammates.
The Herald’s honorable mention: Chris de la Lande, Everett. Probably played twice as many shifts tonight than in any other home game this season and looked poised the entire time.
LINEUP NOTES
Everett welcomed Karamnov back after he missed the last five games with a bruised shoulder. Also, defenseman Brenden Stephen was given his WHL debut as defensemen Taylor Ellington (foot), Graham Potuer (flu) and Mike Alexander (shoulder) remain sidelined. Stephen’s presence also allowed Zack Dailey to return to his normal center position, giving the Tips their full complement up front. Karamnov ended up on a line with Kyle Beach and Shane Harper, Beach switching over to the left for a combination not yet seen this season. Jordan Mistelbacher dropped off that line to play with Jesse Burt and Tyler Skauge. Forwards Tyler Eskesen and Eric English were healthy scratches.
For Prince George, No. 2 goaltender Ian Curtis was out with a shoulder injury, so Joel Danyluk served as Real Cyr’s backup. Center Jan Kupec and defenseman Trevor Bauer were healthy scratches.
