Everett 5, Kamloops 3

Published 9:57 pm Monday, December 31, 2007

TALKING POINTS

For two periods Everett looked like the team that won 6-1 against Moose Jaw on Saturday. Then the Tips stopped working in the third and nearly lost it. They can thank Mr. hat trick Dan Gendur for securing this one, his third goal coming short-handed with four minutes remaining after Kamloops cut a three-goal deficit down to one.

The good news for Everett is the power play looked great again with three more goals, giving the Tips seven power-play markers in two games. It’s been night and day the last two games for a unit that struggled mightily the previous six weeks. Great passing and shots from the point are getting through.

But consistency has been Everett’s Achilles heel this season, and the third period tonight showed those ills haven’t been cured yet.

Shayne Barrie, coming off a terriffic performance Saturday against Moose Jaw, made consecutive starts in goal for Everett for the first time in his career. He was OK, but not as strong as Saturday, so I doubt there’s a goaltending controversy brewing.

Former Silvertip Brady Calla received a nice cheer when announced for the Kamloops starting lineup.

Everett right wing Matt Ius had to be helped from the ice in the third period with a leg injury, but it apparently wasn’t serious as he was on his way back to the bench when the game ended.

TURNING POINT

If Gendur doesn’t win the draw that ultimately led to his third goal eight seconds later, I’ve got a feeling Kamloops ties it on that power play.

HIT OF THE DAY

There were a lot of good hits out there tonight, but I’m not sure any one stands out from the rest.

THREE STARS

First star: Gendur, Everett. Absolutely fantastic tonight and well deserving of his hat trick. Was great at the point on the power play and used his speed very well.

Second star: Zach Hamill, Everett. A goal and two assists, he’s also playing with a lot more effort.

Third star: Clayton Bauer, Everett. Was in the right place at the right time for his goal and two assists.

The Herald’s honorable mention: Calla, Kamloops. His speed and strength make him a real handful.

LINEUP NOTES

For Everett, center Zack Dailey remains sidelined with his groin in jury. Tough guy Eric English was back in the lineup as the Tips scaled back to six defensemen. Forward Tyler Eskesen and defensemen Jeff Regier and Tyler Kieffer were healthy scratches. Forward Markus McCrae has joined the growing group of 15-year-old prospects in town.

For Kamloops, forwards Juuso Puustinen (Finland) and Ivan Rohac (Slovakia) are at the World Junior Hockey Championships. Forward Jimmy Bubnick (West) and goaltender James Priestner (Pacific) are at the U-17 World Hockey Challenge. Forward Richard Vanderhoek was a healthy scratch.