TALKING POINTS
Another close one today, and once again it was the T-birds who prevailed to take a 2-0 series lead.
This one followed a similar pattern to Game 1, and indeed to many of Everett’s games this season. The Tips had the advantage on the shot clock — 27-16 today after it was 39-22 Saturday — but wasn’t able to turn that shot advantage into goals.
And the Tips were oh so close today. Three times Everett drew iron at opportune moments — once when the Tips were leading 1-0, once when it was tied 1-1, and once when they trailed 2-1. Any one of those could have changed the complexion of the game.
Seattle can thank its special teams for taking a 2-0 lead in the series. The T-birds essentially scored two power-play goals today — their third goal came just as an Everett penalty expired. Therefore, Seattle is basically 4-for-8 with the advantage over the two games. Everett finished 0-for-5 today and is 1-for-11 in the series. Those three extra goals that resulted from power plays provide the entire margin in the series.
Everett now has a tough task ahead. The Tips must win four of the final five games in the series to advance, beginning with Tuesday’s Game 3 in Kent.
TURNING POINT
Of the three posts Everett hit, the second one was probably the one that made the biggest difference. It was 1-1 at the start of the third period, and on the first shift the Tips made an intricate passing move in transition to set up Brayden Low for an open shot cutting in from the left. Low’s shot beat Kozun, but it hit off the inside of the post and ricocheted out the opposite direction, keeping it tied.
THREE STARS
First star: Taran Kozun, Seattle. 26 saves, including a dramatic diving stop on Jujhar Khaira in the second period that kept it 1-1.
Second star: Branden Troock, Seattle. One goal, showed some speed.
Third star: Roberts Lipsbergs, Seattle. One goal and one assist, effective on the power play.
The Herald’s honorable mention: Low. One assist. Set up Everett’s goal, came an inch away from giving the Tips the lead.
BOX SCORE
SCHEDULE
Game 1: Seattle 2, Everett 1
Game 2: Seattle 3, Everett 1 (Seattle leads series 2-0)
Game 3: Everett at Seattle, Tuesday, 7:05 p.m.
Game 4: Seattle at Everett, Friday, 7:35 p.m.
Game 5 (if necessary): Everett at Seattle, Saturday, 7:05 p.m.
Game 6 (if necessary): Seattle at Everett, Monday, March 31, 7:05 p.m.
Game 7 (if necessary): Everett at Seattle, Wednesday, April 2, 7:05 p.m.
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