TALKING POINTS
A six-minute span of the first period could prove costly for Everett.
First, Spokane scored four times during that span to take a 4-0 lead and put this one to bed early.
Then, when the score was 1-0, Everett lost workhorse defenseman Ben Betker to an apparent arm injury after he was crunched into the boards. Betker left the game and did not return.
The loss is costly because the split of the first two games in Everett cedes home-ice advantage to Spokane. The consolation for the Tips is that although they went through a four-year stretch without winning at Spokane Arena, Everett has won four of its past five games in Spokane. Therefore, the Tips know they’re capable of beating the Chiefs on the road.
But the potential loss of Betker could be the costlier loss for the Tips. The overager plays a ton of minutes against the opposition’s top lines, and he’s the only Everett defenseman with legitimate size. I was told Betker would see a doctor Sunday and that more information on his status may be available Monday.
Everett actually was playing well early in the game, with the Tips having all the early scoring chances. But Spokane’s four-goal blitz came as a result of a combination of the Chiefs taking advantage of their power plays — Spokane scored on both its chances in the first period — and defensive turnovers by the Tips. The Chiefs, who were shut out on the power play in Game 1, scored three times with the advantage in Game 2.
The third period once again saw plenty of bad blood between the teams and a steady parade to the penalty box. Spokane went ahead 6-0 before Everett scored twice late to avoid the shutout.
TURNING POINT
Let’s talk about Spokane’s first goal, which changed the momentum. The sequence began when it looked like Everett defenseman Kevin Davis had his stick sort of wrenched out of his hands. He then found himself having to check Blair Oneschuk behind the Everett net without his stick. Davis actually stayed with Oneschuk well, and eventually the play moved to a spot where he could pick his stick up. But as Davis grabbed his stick off the ice, Oneschuk fed a pass to Jackson Playfair unmarked in the high slot. Playfair picked out the top corner with his shot to begin the blitz that decided the outcome.
THREE STARS
First star: Adam Helewka, Spokane. Two goals and one assist, both his goals came during the decisive first period.
Second star: Dominic Zwerger, Spokane. Two goals, was opportunistic in front of net.
Third star: Garret Hughson, Spokane. 29 saves, helped Spokane weather the early storm.
The Herald’s honorable mention: Keanu Yamamoto, Spokane. Two assists, looked good for a guy who was a game-time decision.
BOX SCORE
SERIES SCHEDULE
Game 1: Everett 5, Spokane 1
Game 2: Spokane 6, Everett 2 (series tied 1-1)
Game 3: Everett at Spokane, Wednesday, 7:05 p.m.
Game 4: Everett at Spokane, Friday, 7:05 p.m.
Game 5: Spokane at Everett, April 4, 7:05 p.m.
Game 6 (if necessary): Everett at Spokane, April 7, 7:05 p.m.
Game 7 (if necessary): Spokane at Everett, April 8, 7:05 p.m.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
