The Silvertips are heading into a busy stretch of games with in the run-up to the holiday break. They’ve been winning lately with a 5-1-0-1 mark in their last seven games. However, four of their next five games are against U.S. Division opponents, and the one non-divisional foe is preseason favorite Regina. The next two weeks could give us a very good indication of where this team is at.
Everett continues to struggle on the power play. Following an 0-for-8 showing Wednesday the Tips are now 1-for-31 going back to Oct. 27 at Kamloops. They are 20th in the WHL.
In addition the Tips need to continue to improve on getting balanced scoring. Both goals Wednesday came via the top line as Everett continues to struggle to put away chances despite firing off 42 shots.
“We do need to continue to find some second and third line contributions,” head coach Dennis Williams said. “There’s going to be a game where we need some of these other guys to pick up their play and finish off some chances and bury them a little bit, and alleviate some of the pressure those other guys feel sometimes.”
Everett also has a short bench. With the suspensions of Mark Liwiski and Ethan Browne the Tips are carrying just one extra skater (plus a third goaltender). As of Thursday evening Montana Onyebuchi hadn’t been suspended for his charging major and game misconduct, but that’s still a possibility. That would leave Everett with no healthy scratches.
In other news:
– Riley Sutter maintained his “B” rating from NHL Central Scouting when the list was released today.
– Former first overall bantam pick and Vancouver Giants forward Tyler Benson has battled injuries for most of the last two WHL seasons. He’s the subject of this story from the Canadian Press that examines Benson’s drive to stay healthy. The Tips see the Giants for the first time at home a week from Saturday.
For the latest Silvertips news follow Jesse Geleynse on Twitter.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
