TALKING POINTS
This was a very solid performance by Everett. The Tips didn’t do a lot that blew anyone away, but top to bottom for 60 minutes Everett seemed in control. And this was against the defending Memorial Cup and three-time defending Eastern Conference champion. Granted, Edmonton is not the team it’s been the past three seasons because of player graduations, but the Oil Kings still came into the game with a .667 winning percentage.
What stood out most to me was Everett’s puck possession. The Tips spent a lot of time controlling the puck in Edmonton’s zone tonight. It may not have led to an overwhelming number of scoring chances, but it sure prevented the Oil Kings from threatening Everett’s goal.
The Tips also continued their sterling discipline record by taking zero penalties. That’s the first time in franchise history that’s happened. Everett’s had games in which it didn’t allow an opposition power play, but the Tips still had coincidental penalties. Tonight, the off-ice official in Everett’s penalty box must have felt like someone who was stood up on a blind date.
There was a cool thing during the intermissions. Michael Sicoly is Everett’s go-to anthem singer, and tonight his Beatles cover band Revolver played during the intermissions. A stage was set up in the open end of the arena, facing the rest of the seats, and the band got into costume and played several Beatles tunes while the Zambonis did their thing. It was a nice departure from the usual game-ops routine.
Finally, former Everett defenseman Mirco Mueller played his 10th game for the NHL’s San Jose Sharks tonight, meaning his contract has kicked in, so congrats to him. It also means the chances of Mueller being returned to the Tips this season are somewhere between slim and none, not that there was any sign he was coming back anyway.
TURNING POINT
This game never really turned. It stayed on pretty much the same course throughout.
THREE STARS
First star: Cole MacDonald, Everett. One goal and one assist, his shot from the point has become a dangerous weapon.
Second star: Austin Lotz, Everett. 21 saves, his first shutout of the season didn’t require much beyond the routine.
Third star: Kevin Davis, Everett. Two assists, nothing that really stood out, just another ho-hum day at the office for him.
The Herald’s honorable mention: Remi Laurencelle, Everett. One goal, he’s been hustling his tail off all season.
Hard-luck mention: Logan Aasman, Everett. How many scoring chances did he have tonight? They have to start going in eventually, don’t they? At least he’s getting himself into those positions.
BOX SCORE
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