Saskatoon 2, Everett 1
Published 10:03 pm Thursday, December 31, 2009
TALKING POINTS
In honor of the holiday I’m going to tell a silly little story, which relates tangentially to the outcome of tonight’s game.
Before each game at Comcast Arena the Tips provide a meal for the various scouts, game workers and media in attendance. The menu changes from game to game, with some of the pickier eaters entering the green room with dread, wondering what they’re going to be subjected to that night.
Tonight one of the side offerings was a serving of bread with melted cheese on top of it. This dish went over well with those in the green room. Tips media intern Michael Henrichsen took a particular liking to the cheese bread. In honor of the night’s opponent — and one odd-named player in particular — Henrichsen dubbed the dish the Sassy Dziurzynski Cheesy Bread.
So of course, Dziurzynski had to be the star tonight. He scored both Saskatoon goals, which is notable considering he had just one goal in 36 games coming in. Both goals came on goal-mouth scrambles where the Tips were unable to clear a loose puck.
The Tips put out a decent effort tonight, but couldn’t quite match a Saskatoon team that has the best winning percentage in the Eastern Conference. Everett dearly misses its top defensive pairing of Radko Gudas and Ryan Murray, both of whom are off at international tournaments.
So that puts a cap on 2009. Have a happy new year, and I’ll see you in 2010.
TURNING POINT
Just 1:23 after Everett’s Shane Harper tied it at 1-1, Dziurzynski scored his second of the night to restore Saskatoon’s lead. The Tips responded with energy, but couldn’t find another goal.
HIT OF THE DAY
Midway through the first period Everett’s Markus McCrea went in hard on Dziurzynski. However, after a mighty collision, it was McCrea who ended up on his backside.
THREE STARS
First star: Dziurzynski. Just try typing that name correctly multiple times. I dare you.
Second star: Kent Simpson, Everett. Another solid night in goal with 32 saves, his second straight good outing against a top team.
Third star: Jeremy Boyer, Saskatoon. Two assists for the former Seattle Thunderbird.
The Herald’s honorable mention: Travis Toomey, Saskatoon. Caused problems with his big body.
BOX SCORE
