3 takeaways from the Silvertips’ season-opening loss to Vancouver
Published 10:15 am Saturday, September 22, 2018
Here are three takeaways from the Silvertips’ opening night loss at Vancouver on Friday.
1. Slow start shouldn’t be unexpected: Yes, a one-goal performance in the season-opener leaves a lot to be desired, but considering many of the Tips’ top players away at NHL camp, it isn’t to be unexpected. That’s something Everett head coach Dennis Williams emphasized before Friday’s tilt, stating it’s going to take some time for a rhythm and chemistry to develop, especially amongst his forward group, which was grossly shorthanded for much of the preseason.
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CC @WHLsilvertips #WHLOpeningWeek pic.twitter.com/6fHi0nZJo6
— The WHL (@TheWHL) September 22, 2018
Also, many of Everett’s main contributors did not post gaudy numbers in the +/- category: Riley Sutter -3; Connor Dewar -3; Wyatte Wylie -2; Martin Fasko-Rudas -2.
2. Solid season debut for Wolf: Wolf stopped 20-of-22 shots and largely provided Everett a chance to win. There are obvious question marks surrounding Wolf and his ability to replace Carter Hart in goal for Everett, but many people inside and outside the organization have expressed no trepidation in trusting the 17-year-old netminder.
A rocket from the blue line by @NHLFlyers prospect @WyatteWylie86 ties the game between Vancouver and the @WHLsilvertips!#WHLOpeningWeek pic.twitter.com/gKp8RBmkuN
— The WHL (@TheWHL) September 22, 2018
Tendeck even sturdier for Giants: Vancouver goaltender David Tendeck, a sixth-round pick by Arizona in the 2018 draft, stopped 30-of-31 shots and, like Wolf, is a candidate for a breakout season. There are several solid goaltenders in the WHL this season, and Tendeck is in the upper-class of netminders this season. Combined with a seasoned group of skaters, Vancouver should be a tough matchup throughout the season.
Around the WHL
— Former Silvertips player and assistant coach Mitch Love earned his first win as a head coach in the WHL on Friday, as his Saskatoon Blades edged Swift Current, 2-1.
— Former Silvertips forward Orrin Centazzo chipped in three primary assists in Kamloops’ 4-1 win over Kelowna.
— Prince Albert’s Carson Miller notched a hat trick to power the Raiders past Regina, 7-2.
— Vince Loschiavo scored a pair of goals to lead Edmonton over Red Deer, 4-2.
— Goaltender Griffen Outhouse stopped 28-of-29 shots to lead Victoria to a 2-1 shootout win over Prince George.
— Medicine Hat dispatched heavy Central Division favorite Lethbridge, 5-2. … Brandon topped Moose Jaw, 2-1.
