TALKING POINTS
Well, not the prettiest victory for Everett tonight, but a win’s a win. The Tips were sluggish early and weren’t very good on the power play all game long, but they still managed to come back twice and win it in the shootout. Not sure Everett accomplishes that against a stronger opponent the way it played tonight, but even with the slow start and the occasional sloppiness Everett was probably the deserving victor.
It’s becoming clear what Everett’s strategy should be if the game finishes tied in regulation: play for the shootout. Everett is 3-0 in shootouts this season and 0-5 in games decided in overtime.
So how about the new guys? Left wing Dan Iwanski and defenseman Alex Theriau made their debuts for the Tips tonight. Iwanski looked pretty good as his line, along with Dale Hunt and Paul Van de Velde, caused problems all night. He’s a small guy, but he hustles and he’s not afraid to hit. Theriau looked nervous, turning the puck over a couple times, and didn’t see many shifts in the third period and overtime. But as a 16-year-old he deserves the full benefit of the doubt.
One last thing. What’s with the wave with two minutes left in a tie game? Maybe it’s just me, but late in close games I’ve got my full attention on the ice, not on when it’s my turn to stand up and wave my hands in the air.
TURNING POINT
Everett needed Kellan Tochkin to score in the third round of the shootout to keep it alive, and he slipped the puck under Joe Caligiuri to tie it up. That gave Shane Harper the chance to win it in the fifth round for the Tips.
HIT OF THE DAY
Late in regulation Everett’s Taylor Ellington put a major hurt on Brian Matte, giving him a full-speed shoulder charge into the boards that lifted Matte off his feet and into his back.
THREE STARS
First star: Harper. Had a goal and an assist to go along with his shootout winner.
Second star: Matte. When he wasn’t getting blown up by Ellington he was the best player on the ice, scoring two goals and dishing out several good hits.
Third star: Hunt. Tons of hustle and energy out there tonight.
The Herald’s honorable mention: Joe Caligiuri, Prince George. He came into the game with a putrid 5.10 goals against average, but you couldn’t tell it by tonight as he was strong with 32 saves.
LINEUP NOTES
For Everett, defenseman Shayne Brown (hip flexor) remains injured, though he’s looking more and more comfortable in practices. Forwards Jordan Mistelbacher, Ryan White and Cameron Abney and defenseman Paul Sohor were healthy scratches.
Prince George was without both its best player (Dana Tyrell) and its No. 1 goalie (Kevin Armstrong) because of injury. Tyrell is out for the season because of knee surgery, Armstrong is out with an ankle sprain. The Cougars debuted their new acquisition, center Robbie Ciolfi. Defensemen Matt Bruin McDonald and Matt Cumming were healthy scratches.
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