REFLECTIONS: Everett Silvertips dig deep for third straight win
Published 1:30 am Friday, October 14, 2016
The Game
This was a gut-check win. Despite being outplayed for most of the night the Silvertips took advantage of a late major penalty to take the lead, withstood an even later game-tying short-handed goal, and went on to score the game-winner in overtime to complete a 4-3 victory over the Spokane Chiefs. Everett managed to pull out the win despite a 12-hour travel day Thursday that came after back-to-back wins at previously unbeaten Prince George.
The hit by Hudson Elynuik on Devon Skoleski set up the major penalty that led to Everett reclaiming the lead, but Skoleski needed assistance from the training staff as he skated off the ice to the dressing room and did not return. There was no immediate update on his condition and we’ll pay close attention to that heading into Saturday’s game.
Matt Fonteyne and Lucas Skrumeda missed their second consecutive games with undisclosed injuries, while Eetu Tuulola remains week-to-week with a shoulder injury.
Regarding Fonteyne: on the pregame coach’s show Kevin Constantine said Fonteyne “will be back soon” but did not get any more specific. He didn’t mention anything about Skrumeda’s injury or return.
Mario Petit was solid in net considering since he hadn’t played in four weeks. He was at his best during Spokane’s short-handed rush late in the first period as he came up with with a couple of stellar saves. The Tips are actively planning for Carter Hart to make Team Canada’s World Juniors roster so I would expect Petit to get plenty of chances during busy weeks like this.
It’s also worth mentioning that Dominic Zwerger had two assists in his return to Spokane Arena. The Austrian overager spent three seasons with the Chiefs before being dealt to Everett three weeks ago.
The Turning Point
Skoleski left the game after drawing a five-minute penalty on Elynuik. The Tips scored twice on that power play to take a 3-2 lead and went on to win 4-3 in overtime.
Three Stars
1. Spokane F Kailer Yamamoto: The Spokane native had two goals and one assist.
2. Everett F Patrick Bajkov: The Nanaimo, B.C., native scored twice including the overtime game-winner.
3. Everett F Brian King: The second-year forward opened the scoring with a rebound goal in the second period.
Honorable mention: Everett D Noah Juulsen (one goal, one assist), Spokane F Markson Bechtold (one goal, one assist), Spokane D Ty Smith (two assists).
For the latest Silvertips news follow Jesse Geleynse on Twitter @jessegeleynse.
