Game 7: Kelowna 2, Everett 1
Published 11:11 pm Monday, March 29, 2010
TALKING POINTS
So Everett’s season came to an end tonight. The Tips threw everything they could at the Rockets, outshooting Kelowna 41-22 and putting a number of other good scoring opportunities wide. But it wasn’t meant to be for Everett.
Kelowna’s winning goal was an odd one. Midway through the second period it was tied 1-1 when Brandon McMillan just flipped the puck in the air toward the goal from the right side boards. The puck took a deflection and hopped over goaltender Kent Simpson’s glove. The referees never signaled the goal, apparently because it was hit by a high stick. However, the high stick it hit was Everett defenseman Rasmus Rissanen’s and after a video review the goal was given.
Everett beseiged the Kelowna goal after that, particularly in the third period when the puck was almost exclusively in the Kelowna end. However, nothing wanted to go in. Rissanen hit the inside of the post. Ryan Murray and Zack Dailey had chances from the slot whistle wide. Shane Harper couldn’t find the handle when found cutting to the net. And the Tips weren’t able to get the final touch on multiple goal-mouth scrambles.
Kelowna goalie Mark Guggenberger, who began the series on the bench, had an excellent game. He was always in the right spot, making some saves where it appeared he never saw the puck. Give credit also to the Rockets for clogging the shooting lanes and preventing the Tips from getting sticks on rebounds.
Everett had defenseman Radko Gudas back in the lineup, but he was just a shadow of himself. It was revealed afterward that he has a third-degree separated shoulder, and he hardly played in the third period. The rest of Everett’s defensemen put in a valiant performance, but they looked gassed from a long series.
Tonight’s game was the only one in the series won by the visiting team. It was also the first time Kelowna scored first.
It was a great game and a great series. It’s unfortunate for the Tips that it had to end here.
TURNING POINT
Everett had four power plays in the second period and scored on the first of those. But Kelowna killed off the other three, allowing the Rockets to take a lead into the third period and set up a fortress in front of goal.
HIT OF THE DAY
Midway through the first period Everett’s Markus McCrea had a punishing shift, throwing several big hits. The biggest of those came when he crunched Colton Jobke into the boards.
THREE STARS
First star: Guggenberger. 40 saves, he had his best game of the series at the perfect time.
Second star: Chris Langkow, Everett. One goal and worked tirelessly.
Third star: Lucas Bloodoff, Kelowna. Not sure if he actually touched the puck, but he was credited with the winning goal.
The Herald’s honorable mention: Kelowna’s defense. Forwards and defensemen worked as a unit tonight.
BOX SCORE
SCHEDULE
Game 1: Everett 5, Kelowna 4 (OT)
Game 2: Everett 5, Kelowna 2
Game 3: Kelowna 5, Everett 3
Game 4: Kelowna 5, Everett 4 (2OT)
Game 5: Everett 4, Kelowna 0
Game 6: Kelowna 5, Everett 4
Game 7: Kelowna 2, Everett 1, Kelowna wins series 4-3
