Swift Current 3, Everett 1
Published 10:50 pm Saturday, November 26, 2011
TALKING POINTS
Killing off a five-on-three penalty is supposed to give the killing team a boost.
Everett had just killed off a lengthy five-on-three. The crowd was cheering in appreciation as Tips defenseman Dominik Bittner raced into the play from the penalty box to draw the teams to even strength. Down 2-1 early in the second period of an evenly-played game, this was the moment that was going to spark Everett into tying the game and perhaps winning it.
Just at that moment, Swift Current’s Taylor Vause sent a last-ditch slap shot toward goal from the left point. The puck found its way into the net, and all those cheers instantly turned into gasps. That goal was the back-breaker, and I’m sure it contributed mightily to one of the quiet atmospheres I can remember at Comcast Arena.
Everett turned in a better effort than it did in Friday’s 5-2 loss to Regina. The Tips even outshot the Broncos 33-23. However, few of those shots by the Tips were quality scoring chances as most came from the perimeter.
Everett once again finished the game without leading scorer Josh Birkholz. Birkholz didn’t play about the last 10 minutes of the game. I didn’t see anything happen to him that looked like an injury. Everett coach Mark Ferner said afterward he wasn’t sure what the issue was with Birkholz.
TURNING POINT
That Swift Current goal right after Everett killed the five-on-three was an absolute hammer blow.
HIT OF THE DAY
Midway through the third period, Swift Current’s Adam Lowry sent JT Barnett flying head over heels into the Broncos bench. It took a moment for Barnett to get himself righted and back onto the ice.
THREE STARS
First star: Vause. Two goals, I guess I’d describe both as opportunist’s strikes.
Second star: Ryan Harrison, Everett. One goal, he showed a lot of determination on that one.
Third star: Jon Groenheyde, Swift Current. 32 saves, but wasn’t overly tested.
The Herald’s honorable mention: Graham Black, Swift Current. One goal, was very shifty, particularly early in the game.
BOX SCORE
