Everett 4, Tri-City 1
Published 10:43 pm Saturday, March 3, 2012
TALKING POINTS
That was probably the most complete performance I’ve seen from the Tips this season. Everett never trailed, took control of the game with an excellent second period in which the Tips outscored the Ams 3-0, and did a great job limiting Tri-City’s scoring chances in the third.
Of course, Tri-City’s Brendan Shinnimin went crazy on the Tips last week, scoring two hat tricks and totaling 10 points in two victories over Everett. The Tips did a much better job on Shinnimin and his line tonight, holding Shinnimin to one goal and keeping he and his linemates to the perimeter. It got to the point where Tri-City coach Jim Hiller split up that line in the third period to try and find a spark. Everett coach Mark Ferner gave credit to the line of Kohl Bauml, Ryan Harrison and Cody Fowlie for limiting Shinnimin’s line, and Everett’s defense played fantastic, winning all kinds of puck battles.
Both teams were coming off emotional home games Friday night. Everett beat Seattle 4-0 to move into playoff position for the first time since the season’s opening weeks, and Tri-City lost 6-4 to Portland in a battle for first place in the Western Conference. It seems the Tips were the team that recovered best.
With Seattle losing 7-3 at Portland, Everett is now three points clear in the conference’s eighth and final playoff position. However, Victoria won 5-2 against Vancouver, meaning the Tips are still one point behind the Royals for seventh. Everett plays host to Victoria twice next week.
Everett lost winger Trent Lofthouse to a high hit late in the first period (I think it was Jordan Messier who delivered the hit). There was no penalty called on the play, but I wouldn’t be surprised if a suspension results from that one.
Finally, kudos to the traveling Tri-City fans who took over section 110 tonight. That was one of the best visiting contingents I can remember in Everett’s nine-season history.
TURNING POINT
Maybe I shouldn’t do this, but …
Midway through the second period Everett appeared to go ahead 3-1 when Bauml put in a rebound after Tri-City goaltender Eric Comrie spilled Josh Birkholz’s shot off the rush. However, a quick whistle by the referee nullified the goal. Tips assistant general manager Zoran Rajcic, who sits next to me in the press area, had, shall we say, a rather emotional response to the call. But I’m giving Zoran credit for sparking the team as the Tips avoided a letdown from what could have been a crucial turning point, and Everett got two goals in the final two minutes of the second to secure its lead. (Sorry Zoran).
HIT OF THE DAY
Nothing earth shattering tonight, with the exception of the questionable hit on Lofthouse. However, Everett’s Zach McPhee deserves mention for the quantity of decent hits he delivered tonight.
THREE STARS
First star: Josh Winquist, Everett. One goal and one assist, scored the game winner and set up the insurance goal.
Second star: Kent Simpson, Everett. 30 saves, he continues to be a rock in goal.
Third star: Ryan Murray, Everett. One assist and was his typical self on defense.
The Herald’s honorable mention: Dominik Bittner, Everett. What a great game he had in his own end, winning battles and keeping the Americans wrapped up.
BOX SCORE
