REFLECTIONS: Tips needed one more power play in loss to T-Birds
Published 12:30 am Saturday, January 7, 2017
The Game
We’ve often said that Everett Silvertips games are a race to which team can get to three goals first. That proved true once again tonight, but not until the Tips battled back from a 3-0 deficit to tie the game. It came courtesy of three power-play goals and forced overtime before Everett eventually fell in a shootout.
While the Tips are pleased to get a standings point and remain a baker’s dozen in front of their nearest I-5 rival, head coach Kevin Constantine noted afterward that Everett hasn’t generated much offense lately at even strength. The final two goals were a mirror image of one another. Riley Sutter tapped in a pass while stationed at the left post early in the third, and a minute later Matt Fonteyne one-timed the puck in from the right post to knot the contest.
While Everett’s power play continues to impress, the lack of execution in five-on-five play is something the Tips will need to address.
Kevin Davis added two more assists as he continues to pile up power-play helpers. Davis now has a league-best 12-game point streak. Dominic Zwerger had a goal and an assist, and now has an 11-game point streak.
Recently acquired blueliner Aaron Irving had an ugly turnover early, but seemed to settle in and showed off his shot from the point while on the second power-play unit. I expect him to figure in significantly on special teams going forward. He also had several punishing hits, including one on Matthew Wedman in the second, shortly before Wedman assisted Seattle’s second goal. It seems the comparisons to Noah Juulsen are indeed apt for Irving, and that’s something Everett needs if it’s going to make a long playoff run.
If you haven’t already, take this chance to get to know the newest Silvertip:
BONUS:
Check out colleague Andy Eide’s story for 710 ESPN. There’s a tidbit from Steve Konowalchuk in the notes that’s very interesting, particularly if you monitor my Twitter feed. And for the seven of you who are waiting with bated breath, Episode 4 of the ThunderTips podcast should be available late Monday evening.
The Turning Point
I forgot to write down the time, but Mario Petit had a brilliant sequence that included a key pad save in the third period to keep it tied 3-3.
Three Stars
1. Seattle F Donovan Neuls: The 1997-born forward had a goal and an assist en route to a plus-two evening.
2. Everett F Dominic Zwerger: The overage Austrian had a goal and an assist to run his point streak to 11 games.
3. Seattle F Luke Ormsby: The 1999-born Monroe native who learned to skate at then-Comcast Arena scored his first goal at the ShoWare Center and was plus-one.
Honorable mention: Everett D Kevin Davis (two assists, 12-game point struck, minus-one), Everett F Riley Sutter (one goal, one assist, minus-two)
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