TALKING POINTS
Well, the Tips avoided the trap tonight. After beating a tired Portland team 7-1 Wednesday, it was easy to envision the Tips taking it a little easy tonight against a more-rested Winter Hawks team and seeing a vastly different result. Instead the Tips may have played an even better game, although the final score doesn’t indicate that. The Tips had five, they could have scored 10, but they kept drawing iron and Portland goaltender Kurtis Mucha made several big-time saves (although he also let in a couple he probably should have saved).
The player I want to talk about tonight is Dale Hunt. These two games are the first home contests he’s played since the Tips acquired him from Prince George, so it’s the first time I’ve gotten a good look at him. He’s played eight games for Everett without scoring. But based on these two contests it’s hard to imagine how that’s possible. This guy has been all over the ice the past two games, causing lots of problems for the defense. If he continues playing like this he’ll end up being a good addition for the Tips.
And in case anyone was wondering, Kent Simpson does indeed have a new mask. Actually, it’s his old mask, which has been repainted. It was decided his new one bore too close a resemblance to Leland Irving’s, so a new look was required. Not sure what I think about the flourescent green, it kind of has a Three Mile Island-survivor look. But there’s definitely no danger of him being confused with any Tips goaltenders of the past anymore, I suppose.
TURNING POINT
They were the subject of today’s feature story in the paper, and they provided the turning point tonight. Portland scored an early goal, but the Tips equalized thanks to the NC-17 Line (I know, I know, sorry about that), and again it was an unbelievable set-up by Kellan Tochkin. A big hit by Byron Froese gave the Tips a chance to attack the net, and Tochkin did a spin-o-rama backhand pass across the crease for Tyler Maxwell to put in at the far post, tying it up at 11:53 of the first. It was off to the races for Everett after that.
HIT OF THE DAY
The biggest hit was delivered by Portland’s Troy Rutkowski on Tochkin midway through the second period. However, the most effective hit was dished out moments later by Everett’s Mike Alexander, who was able to shoulder down Oliver Gabriel as Gabriel bore down on goal, sending Gabriel sliding hard into the boards.
THREE STARS
First star: Maxwell. Two goals and an assist, his goals were the tying and go-ahead markers.
Second star: Tochkin. Two gorgeous assists, I’m becoming convinced he’s the best passer to ever put on a Silvertips jersey.
Third star: Kyle Beach, Everett. He may not have gotten on the scoresheet, but he had a ton of jump in his step tonight.
The Herald’s honorable mention: Jordan Mistelbacher, Everett. Got his customary goal against Portland and was effective in the offensive zone.
LINEUP NOTES
Everett had key checking forward Jesse Burt back in the lineup. Burt sat out Wednesday’s game with a bruised ankle. Also coming back into the lineup was forward Cameron Abney. Forwards Paul Van de Velde (healthy) and Ryan White (nursing an ankle sprain) made way. Defenseman Shayne Brown remains out with his hip-flexor injury, and newly-acquired defenseman Trevor Bauer is not expected to be available until next week. Forward Tyler Parker was a healthy scratch.
Portland was without left wing Tayler Jordan. Jordan was handed a one-game suspension by the league for his cross-checking major at the end of Wednesday’s game. Forwards Jason Grecica (knee) and Nick Dietrich (wrist) remain long-term casualties. Defensemen Ryan Kerr, Joe Morrow and David Watt were healthy scratches.
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