Tri-City 3, Everett 1
Published 10:47 pm Wednesday, March 12, 2008
TALKING POINTS
Got to give Tri-City credit tonight. When I think of the Americans I think of their skating ability. However, I didn’t feel the Tips got outskated tonight, they got outbattled. Tri-City won most of the battles for loose pucks tonight and was a deserving winner. I didn’t feel the game was as lopsided as the shot clock — 47-24 in Tri-City’s favor — but the Americans definitely played like a team that needs to win each of its final three games to earn the U.S. Division and WHL regular season titles.
Meanwhile, the Tips missed the net way too often when in scoring position. Everett probably left a couple goals out there tonight.
The Tips actually slipped into sixth place in the Western Conference as Kelowna beat Chilliwack 5-4 to move one point ahead of Everett. However, oddly enough, Everett’s situation really hasn’t changed. The Tips can still finish fourth and earn home-ice advantage by winning all three of their games this weekend. Everett needed to win both of its games against Seattle anyway, but now the Tips can’t afford to slip up Saturday at Chilliwack.
TURNING POINT
Everett scored late in the second period to tie it at 1-1, then had a golden chance to take the lead moments later. However, Zach Hamill’s shot after being played in off the rush rang off the post, then Clayton Bauer’s rebound attempt missed an open net. A goal there and the Tips have all the momentum. Instead it stayed 1-1 and Adam Hughesman’s rebound goal early in the third proved to be the winner.
HIT OF THE DAY
Everett’s Jordan Mistelbacher put a nice crunch into the boards on Brett Plouffe early in the first period.
THREE STARS
First star: Leland Irving, Everett. 44 saves, he kept Everett in it and is really rounding into form as the playoffs approach.
Second star: Kruise Reddick, Tri-City. Had two assists, but I’ve seen him have a greater impact in games at Everett this season.
Third star: Colton Yellow Horn, Tri-City. Scored the opening goal and I thought was again the Americans’ most dangerous player.
The Herald’s honorable mention: Matt Ius, Everett. Great set up on Everett’s goal scored by Zack Dailey, and also hustled well on the the penalty kill.
LINEUP NOTES
Everett welcomed leading scorer Dan Gendur back to the lineup. Gendur missed the previous two games because of the flu. Also back was defenseman Tyler Kieffer, who missed the past three games because of an upper-body injury. The Tips played without winger Kyle Beach, who’s still sporting a shiner and a swollen cheek from the puck he took to the face during Saturday’s 1-0 loss at Vancouver. Defensemen Taylor Ellington (foot) and Chris de la Lande (leg) remain sidelined because of injuries. Forwards Tyler Skauge and Tyler Eskesen were healthy scratches, meaning the Tips played with seven defensemen and just 11 forwards, and Everett’s lines were messed up all night because of it. Also, forward Cameron Abney, about to be added to the roster, was in the stands after arriving just before the game.
Tri-City was missing left wing Radek Meidl because of an arm injury. Center Jason Gardiner and defenseman Lane Werbowski were healthy scratches.
