Everett 4, Kelowna 0
Published 10:56 pm Wednesday, February 10, 2010
TALKING POINTS
A week after having its 14-game winning streak ended, the Tips turned the tables by ending Kelowna’s nine-game winning streak. The Tips also clinched a playoff spot, though that was a foregone conclusion.
This one was never really in doubt as Everett weathered some early defensive breakdowns to take a 2-0 lead in the first period. Goaltender Thomas Heemskerk did the rest as he recorded his third shutout of the season. He’s allowed just 14 goals in nine starts since the turn of the new year, and now he’s right behind platoon mate Kent Simpson in second place in the league’s goaltender rankings.
It really wasn’t the sharpest game from either team, but the Tips capitalized on some scoring chances and the Rockets, who were missing some key players because of physical ailments, couldn’t solve Heemskerk.
The Tips also kept their cool after the Rockets got a little angry following the fourth goal. Kelowna really didn’t take kindly to being beat, and I’m still trying to figure out how Collin Bowman wasn’t punished at all after taking a two-handed baseball swing at Chris Langkow after Langkow scored in the third period. I guess doing that is OK as long as you don’t connect.
TURNING POINT
Kelowna had three two-on-ones in the first six minutes, but Heemskerk smothered Shane McColgan on the first and the Rockets failed to execute the other two. The Tips took control of the period after that and scored twice to grab a comfortable lead.
HIT OF THE DAY
Everett’s D.Jay McGrath was throwing his body around all night, and late in the second period he and Lucas Bloodoff were part of a mighty collision behind the Kelowna net that knocked both players back.
THREE STARS
First star: Heemskerk. 36 saves to make it a stress-free night for the Tips.
Second star: Shane Harper, Everett. Two assists on two great feeds to set up goals.
Third star: Byron Froese, Everett. A goal and an assist in a workmanlike effort.
The Herald’s honorable mention: Brett Bulmer, Kelowna. This 17-year-old power forward has a chance to be a monster when all is said and done.
BOX SCORE
