Everett 1, Seattle 0
Published 10:44 pm Saturday, September 20, 2014
TALKING POINTS
Carter Hart is an unusually experienced goaltender for a WHL rookie. Last season he became the first 15-year-old ever to start a game for Everett when he took the net at Spokane in February. He was also in goal when home-ice was determined between the Tips and Seattle for the first round of the playoffs, dealing with a shootout at Portland in the final game of the regular season. So it’s not like this was a completely new experience for him.
Nevertheless, it was a 16-year-old rookie who was starting in goal for Everett on opening night. Think about that. He didn’t even find out he was starting until Saturday morning as both he and fellow rookie Nik Amundrud were in contention with No. 1 Austin Lotz still at training camp with the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks. The whole concept is really rather absurd.
Yet Hart was absolutely unflappable out there tonight. There was no sign he was fazed by the moment in the least as he posted a 26-save shutout. His night was summed up by a moment late in the second period. With Everett leading 1-0, Seattle star Mathew Barzal gloved down a clearance at the blue line and found himself with a free run at goal. Barzal put on a series of moves, but Hart stayed right with him and calmly ushered him aside.
It’s a good thing for Everett Hart was good, because Seattle otherwise had the run of play. The T-birds started to take control late in the first period, and Everett was largely on the back foot the rest of the way. It bore a striking resemblance to last season’s playoff series, as Seattle outhit Everett by a substantial margin.
Everett’s goal was scored by Graham Millar as the offseason acquisition from Saskatoon tipped in a point shot less than two minutes into the game. Yet the quick goal didn’t end up putting to rest the questions regarding Everett’s offense this season.
The Tips are now off again for another week before an unusual doubleheader at Portland next Saturday and Sunday.
TURNING POINT
I have to go with Hart’s save on Barzal, though the Tips were also aided by the iron twice shortly after.
THREE STARS
First star: Hart. Congratulations on the first career WHL win.
Second star: Barzal. A major threat every time he was on the ice, and he was on the ice a lot.
Third star: Scott Eansor, Seattle. A tireless worker and nearly tied it on a short-handed breakaway, but put his shot off the crossbar.
The Herald’s honorable mention: Keegan Kolesar, Seattle. His strength was difficult to deal with.
BOX SCORE
