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REFLECTIONS: Silvertips victorious after “free hockey” in Saskatoon

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, February 15, 2017

By Jesse Geleynse Herald Writer

The Game

The Everett Silvertips haven’t been very good in overtime this year – they’re just 2-8 in games decided in OT – so the key is getting to the shootout. After Wednesday’s 2-1 shootout victory over Saskatoon, the Tips are now 2-2 in shootouts.

None of that will matter come playoff time, as head coach Kevin Constantine noted following an OT loss earlier this year, but it’s crucial for the regular season as the Tips moved back into first place in the U.S. Division for now.

Roommates Riley Sutter and Carter Hart celebrate the victory:

Perhaps a touch flat following an emotional win at top-ranked Regina Tuesday, the Tips found themselves out-shot in the first period for the first time in the past four games. In fact, Saskatoon ended up with a 31-29 shot advantage as the Tips were out-shot for the first time since a 4-3 overtime loss at Portland back on Jan. 31.

Everett had several additional chances as it clanged several shots off the post during regulation. Carter Hart had another impressive night in net to earn first star honors for the second straight time on the road (not an easy feat). He saved 30 of 31 shots and has allowed just three goals total in his last four games.

Noah Juulsen now has a four-game point streak with five points in that span as he assisted Dominic Zwerger for the lone goal in regulation. Lucas Skrumeda had the other helper to once again demonstrate how critical that defensive pairing is to Everett’s success.

In the shootout Jesse Shynkaruk gave Saskatoon a 1-0 lead before Hart saved the next three. Orrin Centazzo scored on Everett’s second shot before Sutter won it with the fourth.

The Turning Point

Zwerger’s goal tied the game 1-1 at 14:04 in the second and the Tips went on to win in the shootout.

Three Stars

1. Everett G Carter Hart: The Everett netminder saved 30 of the 31 shots he faced for his 23rd win of the season.

2. Saskatoon G Brock Hamm: Hamm was the hard-luck loser as he saved 28 of Everett’s 29 shots.

3. Everett F Riley Sutter: The 17-year-old scored the shootout winner as Everett claimed its third straight victory.

The Box Score

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