Spokane 5, Everett 1
Published 10:33 pm Wednesday, January 21, 2009
TALKING POINTS
Man, does Spokane look good. I suppose they weren’t as overwhelming as they have been in some games against the Tips, particularly those played in Spokane. But one can’t help but admire the abilities of the Chiefs’ top six forwards. Those guys are fast, strong with the puck, pass well and can snipe the corners.
I’m not sure I’m nearly as impressed if not for the trade deadline acquisitions. Getting Ondrej Roman back (he began the season playing pro in his native Czech Republic) was a boon as he was the most dangerous player on the ice tonight. And former Tip Brady Calla adds a nice boost of energy.
As for the Tips, they’re struggling a bit. It might be fatigue from a young team hitting a busy schedule, but a touch of sharpness seems to be missing. Also, goaltender Thomas Heemskerk looked a little less poised than he has so far in his Everett career.
TURNING POINT
Spokane led 2-1 midway through the second period, but Everett was still making a game of it. That’s then the Chiefs broke three-on-two and executed to perfection, Levko Koper feeding Mitch Wahl for a goal as a screened Heemskerk never even saw the pass.
HIT OF THE DAY
Spokane’s Trevor Glass was throwing his weight around a bit tonight. I liked his takeout along the boards as Shane Harper tried to enter the zone late in the first period.
THREE STARS
First star: Roman. Two assists and drew at least one penalty with his stickhandling.
Second star: Stefan Ulmer, Spokane. A goal and an assist for the d-man.
Third star: Dale Hunt, Everett. Scored Everett’s goal and showed good hustle.
The Herald’s honorable mention: Tyler Johnson, Spokane. His goal and assist were not as impressive as his winning EVERY faceoff.
LINEUP NOTES
For Everett, left wing Daniel Bartek (foot) and defenseman Chris de la Lande (groin) were out injured (with Bartek looking sharp in his top hat tonight). Left wing Tyler Parker and defenseman Paul Sohor were healthy scratches.
Spokane was missing three regulars — right wing Justin McCrae (foot) and defensemen Jared Spurgeon (concussion) and Mike Reddington (thigh) — because of injury. Center T.J. Cratsenberg was a healthy scratch.
