TALKING POINTS
Ouch. Those are two points the Tips did not want to drop as Prince Albert appears to be a team destined to miss the playoffs. But the Raiders earned those two points with hard work, something the Tips didn’t match until the third period, and by then it was too late.
There were also some glaring mistakes on Everett’s part: bad misses on good scoring chances, bad turnovers by the defense, and bad penalties taken by players the Tips need on the ice.
It’s also clear the Tips are struggling to replace their missing players. Kyle Beach and Vitali Karamnov are two-thirds of Everett’s No. 2 line, and those two and Taylor Ellington are three-fifths of Everett’s No. 2 power-play unit. With those three out Everett’s No. 1 power-play unit is having to spend too much time on the ice, and the No. 1 line is having to do all the scoring. The Tips really could use another offensive weapon or two to emerge.
TURNING POINT
Late in the second period Everett was getting outplayed, but was still in the game trailing just 1-0. However, defenseman Graham Potuer’s errant pass behind his own net set up Max Brandl’s goal with 28.2 seconds remaining, giving Prince Albert the all-important two-goal lead.
HIT OF THE DAY
Not a great game for fans of good hits. Everett’s Eric English had a nice shoulder charge on James Dobrowolski early on.
THREE STARS
First star: Dustin Butler, Prince Albert. Most of his 33 saves were routine, but the most difficult came late with the Raiders clinging to a one-goal lead.
Second star: Brandl, Prince Albert. Scored what proved to be the game winner.
Third star: Matt Ius, Everett. Showing signs lately of becoming an offensive factor, just needs to find the net.
The Herald’s honorable mention: Nathan Deck, Prince Albert. Steady display on defense.
LINEUP NOTES
Everett continues to be without those three key players because of injury. Beach remains sidelined with his concussion, though his return is expected soon, while Karamnov (bruised shoulder) and Ellington (broken foot) are out for a couple weeks each. Left wing Tyler Eskesen was Everett’s lone healthy scratch, meaning English was back in the lineup and the Tips again suited seven defensemen.
Prince Albert played without center Bryce Lamb (mononucleosis), left wing Jordan Trach (concussion) and defenseman Blaine Tendler (concussion) because of physical ailments. Fifteen-year-old defenseman Ryan Aasman, the Raiders’ first-round pick in last year’s bantam draft, was listed as a scratch, though I doubt he’s really with the team right now. His one game with the Raiders was back in November, and he lives way out in Medicine Hat.
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