REFLECTIONS: A half-dozen in a row as Everett upends Portland
Published 1:30 am Wednesday, December 6, 2017
The Game
On Wednesday the Tips put together arguably one their best all-around performances of the season and earned their sixth straight victory. Moreover, it came against the toughest team they’ve faced during that span.
The top line of Sean Richards-Matt Fonteyne-Patrick Bajkov combined for three goals and four assists, and defenseman Jake Christiansen added a rocket from the left circle for his second goal of the season on the power play as the Tips never trailed.
Bajkov appeared in his 300th career WHL game Wednesday.
Goalie Carter Hart continues his unworldly season though he saw his bid for a 24th career shutout end with about a minute to play in the game. Earlier in the day he received the news that he was once again named to Team Canada’s camp roster for World Juniors.
The game got quite chippy in the second period. Everett defenseman Gianni Fairbrother and Portland forward Reece Newkirk got roughing penalties late in the period and then dropped gloves immediately upon exiting the penalty box. Both got five for fighting and 10 for misconduct. Newkirk eventually returned to the game, but Fairbrother did not play in the final period. Head coach Dennis Williams said Fairbrother suffered an upper body injury and described Fairbrother’s removal as “precautionary.” We’ll keep an eye on that heading into the weekend.
Everett still isn’t getting much offensive production from its second line. Bryce Kindopp has two goals in his past six games, but Riley Sutter has scored just once in his last 10 contests and Connor Dewar has one goal in his last nine games.
The Turning Point
Christiansen’s power-play rocket from the left circle at 6:13 in the second period. It came less than three minutes after Bajkov had broken the scoreless tie and gave the Tips a two-goal lead.
Three Stars
1. Everett F Patrick Bajkov: The overager had two goals and an assist in his 300th career WHL game.
2. Everett F Matt Fonteyne: The overager had a goal and an assist.
3. Everett G Carter Hart: Hart finished with 28 saves and missed a shutout by allowing one goal with a minute-plus to go.
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