Everett 4, Spokane 3 (OT)
Published 10:13 pm Wednesday, November 25, 2009
TALKING POINTS
Shane Harper got Everett out of trouble tonight. Not only did he have two goals and an assist, he helped produce two goals on one shift midway through the third period as the Tips overcame a 3-1 deficit. First he stole the puck in the corner and set up Chris Langkow in front to cut the deficit to one. When the same line remained on the ice, he scored with a shot off the rush to tie it.
Tyler Maxwell then scored the winner in overtime, banging in a rebound after a nice play by Chris de la Lande, and Everett went a point ahead of Spokane in the standings.
The overtime victory broke a long OT drought for the Tips. Everett had lost eight straight games decided in overtime, dating back to March of 2008.
Everett overcame a bad special teams game. The Tips were 0-for-5 on the power play and often appeared impotent, and they allowed Spokane to score of two of its three opportunities. Special teams are a real thorn in Everett’s side right now.
Meanwhile, Kyle Beach’s return to Everett for the first time in a Chiefs jersey turned out to be a dud. Beach was a non-factor, with no points and no penalties, and he was benched for much of the third period. His announcement for the starting lineup drew a mixture of cowbells and boos, both sides of the Beach debate being very emphatic.
Oh, and Ryan Murray looked like he hadn’t missed a day. Playing for the first time in 15 games, he looked right back at home.
TURNING POINT
Everett’s third-period goals were just 45 seconds apart and they rescued the Tips tonight.
HIT OF THE DAY
There were a few candidates, but my favorite was when Everett’s Zack Dailey bowled over Ryan Letts. Here’s why that’s significant: Dailey = 5-6, 176; Letts = 6-2, 210.
THREE STARS
First star: Harper. He ran the show for Everett tonight.
Second star: Langkow. A goal and an assist, and his goal was a nice one.
Third star: Jared Spurgeon, Spokane. Three assists for the blueliner.
The Herald’s honorable mention: Rasmus Rissanen, Everett. Good in his own end, and a great outlet pass to release Harper for the tying goal.
BOX SCORE
