Game 1: Portland 4, Everett 0
Published 11:00 pm Saturday, March 26, 2011
TALKING POINTS
It was quite the inauspicious opening 10 minutes to the playoffs for the Tips. Everett was a complete disaster in the first period, particularly during that opening stretch. Meanwhile, Portland was at the height of its abilities, and it got real ugly for Everett. For most of the first period it looked like two teams that didn’t belong on the same ice together. Portland scored three goals in the first 8:07 and could have led by more by the end of a period in which the Winterhawks outshot the Tips 19-3.
It seemed like this one was going to get out of hand. But to Everet’s credit the Tips came out a different team in the second period and played pretty well the rest of the way. Everett created scoring chances and could have gotten back in the game with a little better finishing or a little puck luck. But puck luck rarely comes for Everett because of the team’s offensive limitations, and the Tips were never going to come back after falling behind three goals.
Everett was again without No. 1 goaltender Kent Simpson, who the Tips were hoping to get back from his sprained ankle for the start of the series. But captain Landon Ferraro was back after missing the end of the regular season with a groin injury.
TURNING POINT
It was headed that direction already, but it really hit the fan for Everett when Brennan Yadlowski and Manraj Hayer took penalties on the same play, giving Portland a full two minutes of five-on-three 3:56 into the game. Riley Boychuk cashed in on the advantage to open both the scoring and the floodgates.
HIT OF THE DAY
I guess I’ll give it to Boychuk for when he bowled over Hayer midway through the third period. But it was a challenge adjusting to viewing the game from a lower perspective than I’m used to.
THREE STARS
First star: Mac Carruth, Portland. 32 saves for the shutout, put himself in the right positions.
Second star: Ryan Johansen, Portland. One goal and two assists, dangerous as always.
Third star: Boychuk. One goal and one assist, also played the role of the pest.
The Herald’s honorable mention: Luke Siemens, Everett. 41 saves, allowed one goal he’d want back, but made up for it with an amazing second-period save when he reached back with the lower part of his leg to take a puck right off the goal line (love those Rose Garden replays).
BOX SCORE
SERIES SCHEDULE
Game 1: Portland 4, Everett 0 (Portland leads series 1-0)
Game 2: Everett at Portland, Sunday
Game 3: Portland at Everett, Wednesday
Game 4: Portland at Everett, Thursday
Game 5 (if necessary): Everett at Portland, Apr. 2
Game 6 (if necessary): Portland at Everett, Apr. 4
Game 7 (if necessary): Everett at Portland, Apr. 6
