Due to technical difficulties with our system I was unable to post this last night after the game, so here it is a few hours late:
TALKING POINTS
Pretty routine victory for Everett tonight. Everett coach John Becanic characterized the performance as “average at best.” I thought it was better than that — certainly better than the first two weeks of the season — but there are still concerns. The Tips got a pair of even-strength goals, but still are relying too heavily on the power play for offense. And enough of giving up the five-on-threes already. But with three straight wins, Everett has just about made up for its horrible start to the season.
Perhaps the most significant development of the weekend for Everett was the rehabilitation of goaltender Leland Irving. After a shaky start Irving back to his normal self these two games.
Becanic continues to tinker with his top line. This time Shane Harper was inserted on the left next to Zach Hamill and Kyle Beach. He’s the fourth winger tried out with Hamill and Beach already this season. Becanic seemed happy with Harper’s performance, so he’ll probably get at least a couple more games there.
And Zack Dailey was back in the lineup for the Tips after missing three games because of a concussion.
TURNING POINT
At 8:42 of the second period with Portland leading 1-0, Winter Hawks defenseman Scott Gabriel took an after-the-whistle roughing call to give the Tips a long five-on-three power play. Everett scored on both power plays to take a 2-1 lead it wouldn’t relenquish.
HIT OF THE DAY
A lot of good hits tonight from both teams. My favorite came early in the second period with the 5-foot-6, 156-pound Dailey took out the 6-foot-5, 225-pound Gabriel with a hit into the boards.
THREE STARS
First star: Dan Gendur, Everett. Two goals and an assist pretty much tell the story here.
Second star: Vitali Karamnov, Everett. His best game as a Silvertip, notching his first WHL goal and adding a nice feed for Gendur’s second.
Third star: Jonathan Harty, Everett. Had two assists, but probably not his best defensive game.
The Herald’s honorable mention: Leland Irving, Everett. It appears as though Everett’s No. 1 has regained his form in net.
SCRATCHES
For Everett, goaltender David Reekie is sick. Forwards Tyler Eskesen and Eric English and defensemen Eddie Friesen and Chris de la Lande were healthy scratches.
For Portland, forward Matt Sokol was reassigned. Forwards Riley Boychuk (hip flexor) and defensemen Ty Ariss (shoulder), Brett Ponich (charley horse) and Brock Cornish (shoulder) are injured. Goaltender Mark Guggenberger was a healthy scratch.
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