TALKING POINTS
Well, the Tips really needed to get the maximum points from these two games against Prince George, given they came in with a five-game losing streak, and they got them. However, neither of these games were a cake walk. The losing streak may be over, but I’m not sure I’m ready to say the ship has been righted just yet. The team still needs to find a way to turn possession in the offensive zone into scoring chances, and the Tips have got to stop giving up short-handed goals. Everett has now given up a league-leading 15 shorties this season, and there really hasn’t been any improvement shown in this department as the season has progressed.
But there’s some good news for the Tips, too. The line of Vitaly Karamnov, Shane Harper and Kyle Beach looks pretty good. For the first time all season long Everett may have two lines opposing defenses will have to account for. And with all the injuries on defense the young guys are getting significant ice time, and Chris de la Lande in particular has really seized the opportunity and impressed.
On a lighter note, Everett’s fourth goal made me chuckle a bit. It was even strength, but Dan Gendur still decided to skate the puck from the half boards out to his customary power-play spot at the center point before firing a shot into the top corner. OK Dan, I know you’ve scored a lot of goals from that very spot this season, but it’s OK to shoot from closer in, too.
TURNING POINT
After Everett’s first power-play unit gave up the short-hander late in the first period (thanks to an absolutely terrible line change), coach John Becanic sent the second unit out to start Everett’s next power play midway through the second period. The second unit succeeded where the first unit failed, with Harper setting up de la Lande for a goal to snap a 1-1 tie and open the floodgates.
HIT OF THE DAY
Late in the game Beach and Harper combined for a double crunch on Trevor Bauer against the boards in the Prince George zone.
THREE STARS
First star: Shayne Barrie, Everett. Another solid start for Everett’s No. 2, his best saves came in the second period with the outcome still in doubt.
Second star: Zach Hamill, Everett. Had two assists, played all right but not to his top level.
Third star: Dane Crowley, Everett. Short-handed on D because of injuries, Crowley again shouldered a heavy load and chipped in with two assists.
The Herald’s honorable mention: Dana Tyrell, Prince George. Let me repeat myself: he deserves better teammates.
LINEUP NOTES
Everett went with the same lineup as last night with the exception of who started in goal. Defensemen Taylor Ellington (foot), Graham Potuer (flu) and Mike Alexander (shoulder) remained sidelined with various physical ailments, so call-up Brenden Stephen remained in the lineup and saw momre shifts than he did Friday. Forwards Tyler Eskesen and Eric English were healthy scratches.
Prince George also made a change in goal as 17-year-old Joel Danyluk was given his first career WHL start. The Cougars made one other change from Friday as defenseman Bauer came into the lineup with center Cory Tyrell making way. With seven defensemen dressed, Garrett Thiessen was used as a forward. Tyrell and center Jan Kupec were healthy scratches.
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