Everett 7, Portland 3
Published 10:53 pm Wednesday, February 18, 2009
TALKING POINTS
A lot of things to talk about from today’s game, both good and bad.
First, the good. Everett was handed the game’s first five power plays, all in a 5:13 span of the first period, and the Tips took full advantage, scoring three times to go ahead 3-0. It was never really a contest after that. The Tips also received contributions from unexpected sources (Tyler Parker, Cameron Abney, Campbell Elynuik). There were a lot of NHL scouts in the stands tonight, and I suspect Everett’s draft-eligible players helped their stock. Finally, it was a night to remember for Elyniuk as the call-up 16-year-old forward notched his first career goal.
Now the bad. The Tips may have lost influential overage forward Daniel Bartek. Bartek came off the ice in the third period, holding his hand after blocking a shot. After the game Everett coach John Becanic would only say it’s “not good.” And as crazy as it may sound after a game in which Everett led 7-1, I don’t think the Tips played great tonight. I think Everett was worth its goals, but I also thought the Tips were often careless with the puck. They get punished by a better team tonight. Fortunately for Everett, Portland really wasn’t on its game.
TURNING POINT
Those five power plays, and the subsequent three goals, did the trick.
HIT OF THE DAY
Portland’s Brad Ross steamrolled Dale Hunt late in the first period, running Hunt over as Hunt was receiving a pass.
THREE STARS
First star: Shane Harper, Everett. A goal and an assist, he’s just continues to show more and more confidence.
Second star: Byron Froese, Everett, Also a goal and an assist, every few weeks he adds something new to his already solid game. Tonight it was driving the net with the puck.
Third star: Dan Iwanski, Everett. Two assists as he seemed to enjoy being back on a line with Harper and Zack Dailey.
The Herald’s honorable mention: Parker. Scored a great breakaway goal and probably doubled his season scoring chance total. Best game I’ve seen him play yet.
LINEUP NOTES
Everett thrust newcomer Elynuik into the lineup. The 16-year-old left wing is in town this week as his midget team has a bye in the first round of the playoffs. Forwards Tyler Maxwell (knee) and Paul Van de Velde (shoulder) remain on the shelf because of injuries. Forward Ryan White and defensemen Drew McDermott and Paul Sohor were healthy scratches.
The big news for Portland was that left wing Luke Walker, the team’s leading goal scorer, was scratched because of a “coach’s decision.” Another key offensive cog, right wing Killian Hutt, was out with a shoulder injury, while defenseman Brock Cornish is also sidelined with a shoulder ailment. Defenseman Daniel Johnston and goaltender Keith Hamilton were healthy scratches.
