Everett 3, Portland 0

Published 10:59 pm Friday, November 28, 2008

TALKING POINTS

First off, congratulations to Everett goaltender Shayne Barrie, who recorded his first career WHL shutout. The shutout came in Barrie’s 38th career appearance over three seasons, so it’s been a long time coming. He earned it tonight as he was sharp.

Beyond Barrie, though, it was just a real strange game. The Tips looked lethargic, perhaps remembering a little too much how they dominated Portland previously. It certainly wasn’t the same type of performance Everett produced in 7-1 and 5-2 victories over the Winter Hawks last week. But Portland was completely unable to punish Everett’s mistakes as the Winter Hawks shot wide just about every time they had a good scoring opportunity. All-in-all, I doubt either team is real happy with their performance tonight.

Even the officiating was odd as referee Derek Zalaski didn’t give Everett a power play for more than 50 minutes. He just didn’t seem interested in calling anything tonight as there were just five power plays total (three for Portland, two for Everett), with three of those coming in the final 10 minutes after the game was pretty much decided.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Everett continues to feast off the Winter Hawks. That was the Tips’ 13th straight victory over Portland, dating back to the beginning of last season.

TURNING POINT

Pretty much any of the numerous chances Portland had in the second period when, with Everett leading 1-0, the Winter Hawks missed the target when presented with golden opportunities. Score a couple of those, or even just one, and it’s a different game.

HIT OF THE DAY

On the first shift of the second period Portland’s Brett Ponich lined up Kyle Beach as Beach waited for the puck, then shouldered Beach straight onto his back at the same the puck arrived.

THREE STARS

First star: Barrie. Barrie’s had a good week with Tips goaltending consultant Shane Clifford in town.

Second star: Taylor Ellington, Everett. Didn’t do much special, but I suppose someone’s got to get the stars.

Third star: Kellan Tochkin, Everett. Had a nice assist, but see above.

The Herald’s honorable mention: Pass. Not sure there were even three players worthy of stars tonight.

LINEUP NOTES

For Everett, Beach returned safely from playing the previous two nights for Team WHL at the Canada-Russia Challenge and was back in Everett’s lineup. Defensemen Shayne Brown (hip flexor) and Trevor Bauer (shoulder) and forward Ryan White (ankle) remain sidelined with injuries. Forwards Cameron Abney and Markus McCrea were healthy scratches.

Portland was without enforcer Tayler Jordan, who was serving the first game of a two-game suspension for a game misconduct picked up last Saturday at Seattle. Forwards Jason Grecica (knee) and Nick Dietrich (wrist) are out injured. Defensemen Joe Morrow and Stefan Schneider were healthy scratches. Defenseman Daniel Watt was reassigned to Brooks of the AJHL.