Everett 5, Prince Albert 1

Published 11:00 pm Wednesday, October 14, 2009

TALKING POINTS

OK, I’ve been referring to Byron Froese, Kellan Tochkin and Tyler Maxwell as the artists formerly known as the Kid Line in jest, just because now that they’re 18-year-old veterans and NHL properties I don’t consider them kids any more — at least at this level — and no one’s come up with anything new.

However, I’m starting to think the name isn’t all that inappropriate as what they did during the first period tonight was pure artistry. Just some absolute breathtaking stuff en route to three goals and nine points. This was the first time I’ve seen them look the way they did when at their best last season.

It’s a good thing they were on early because the Tips slowed down considerably in the final two periods. Prince Albert outshot the Tips 25-15 in the last two periods and probably controlled the puck more. However, there was a noticeable difference in skill on the ice tonight, and the Raiders didn’t quite have the skill to take advantage of their chances the way the Tips did.

One other note. Everett killed off all four Prince Albert power plays. That’s the first time this season the Tips haven’t surrendered a power-play goal. Nevertheless, I’m still not sold on Everett’s new penalty-killing style. Prince Albert created chances, and opponents are having little difficulty setting their plays up against the Tips as Everett is sucking back pretty deep.

TURNING POINT

Goal No. 3 from Tochkin-Froese-Maxwell pretty much did the trick for Everett, their pinpoint passing move in transition making it 3-1 at 16:51 of the first period. That nullified Jordan Hickmott’s goal that made it a new game.

HIT OF THE DAY

Not a lot to write home about tonight. Tochkin had a nice hit on Craig McCallum midway through the second period, catching McCallum with a shoulder when he was looking the other way.

THREE STARS

First star: Maxwell. Two goals and an assist. He’s scored twice in consecutive games, and he has five goals in two career games against Prince Albert.

Second star: Froese. A goal and two assists, but wasn’t quite himself in the final two periods.

Third star: Chris Langkow, Everett. A goal and an assist. While I’m not sold on the penalty kill, I am sold on the somewhat hefty price paid for Langkow. He’s been worth every penny as he’s playing fantastic hockey.

The Herald’s honorable mention: Tochkin. Three primary assists, getting rid of the puck quickly each time.