TALKING POINTS
Well, there’s only so much Thomas Heemskerk can do.
The Tri-City offense swarmed the Everett goal all game long, as it has throughout the series. Heemskerk held the Americans at bay for as long as he could, making several stunning saves. But it was just a matter of time before Tri-City got a bounce. With 7:10 remaining and the score tied 1-1, Tyler Schmidt’s shot from the point deflected off an Everett stick and past Heemskerk to snap the tie, then Mitch Fadden scored a mere 36 seconds later to essentially end it.
Everett played hard tonight as the Tips came out hitting, with Jesse Burt leading the way. But tonight showed that even when Everett is playing hard the Tips are still at a substantial disadvantage against the more-talented Americans. Tri-City can wrap up the series tomorrow at home, and it’s going to be a tough task for the Tips to extend the series.
A few notes:
– Everett decided to break up its top line in an effort to force the Americans to make more decisions on defense. Dale Hunt took the spot on the right alongside Byron Froese and Tyler Maxwell, while Shane Harper played with Zack Dailey and Daniel Bartek. It didn’t help much as the Tips still weren’t able to generate much offense five-on-five.
– Nevertheless, the Tips had a chance to go ahead 2-0 early in the second period when presented with a five-on-three power play. However, Tyler Maxwell was whistled for a goaltender interference penalty eight seconds later, and Tri-City tied it up while it was four-on-four.
– That tying goal marked the first use of instant replay in Comcast Arena history. The puck was in the Everett net, but the goal light never came on and the officials didn’t initally give the goal, presumably because Johnny Lazo made a kicking motion toward the puck. However, the replay showed the puck last went off an Everett skate and the goal was given.
– Tri-City probably lost forward Spencer Asuchak to an injury. Asuchak had to be stretchered off the ice late in the game after I’m told he went awkwardly into the boards (I didn’t see it). He was taken to the hospital for precautionary purposes.
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