TALKING POINTS
Well, it’s all over for Everett, but the Tips went down kicking and screaming. Everett turned in its best performance of the series tonight, playing with spirit and passion and grit. And the Tips refused to quit after going down 2-0 with nine minutes remaining in regulation, fighting back to force overtime. Unfortunately, the Tips were unable to capitalize on a five-on-three power play early in overtime, and Mitch Wahl was able to score the winner for the Chiefs, finishing off a sweep.
In a surprising development, goaltender Leland Irving was benched in favor of Shayne Barrie. Irving was not at his best in the first three games, and down 3-0 coach John Becanic decided to roll the dice. It was a risk, but Barrie was fantastic tonight. His progress this season has been remarkable, and with Irving likely headed to the pro ranks next season, Barrie’s done more than enough for the Tips to feel their goaltending is still in good hands.
But all credit to the Chiefs in this series. What it ultimately comes down to is Spokane was the better team. Even tonight when Everett was at its best and playing at home, the Chiefs still found the winning formula. Their second-round series against Vancouver should be a doozy.
On a personal note, it was nice to see the team go out in a better way than last season in that 8-2 loss at Prince George. The Tips never quit in this one and gave their all till the end.
One last thing, it was also good to see Dave Sheldon back in town. The former Tips color commentator, now the play-by-play man for the Chilliwack Bruins, filled in for Jon Rosen for the first part of the radio broadcast while Rosen returned from attending to personal matters. Doing the first-period interview with him felt like old times.
Anyway, I’m bushed, but I’ll have plenty of thoughts about the season that was and the season to come throughout the next week or so, so stay tuned.
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