TALKING POINTS
I think the Tips may have burned all their finishing in Friday’s game against Calgary.
Everett finished off almost all of its chances in beating Calgary 7-2. But it was the complete opposite against Prince George. The Tips worked the puck into good scoring position regularly during the game’s first 40 minutes, but the shot would either go wide or straight into Prince George goaltender Ty Edmonds’ gut. Maybe Everett should have saved a couple finishes from that game against the Hitmen.
This can be summed up by two moments in the third period. With about five minutes remaining Tips leading scorer Nikita Scherbak exited the penalty box just as a puck was being cleared, giving him a free run at goal. However, Scherbak fell down of his own accord before he was even able to get a shot off. Earlier in the period the Tips moved the puck around the offensive zone and had three Prince George skaters down and out in the slot as the puck came to Jordan Wharrie at the point. Wharrie fired, but couldn’t get the shot past even the first of those Cougars sprawled out on the ice. It was that kind of night for Everett’s offense.
In many ways this was a bizarro game. With defensemen Ben Betker, Kevin Davis and Tristen Pfeifer all unavailable, I figured Everett’s defense was going to be a mess and the Tips were going to need big games from their offense and goaltending to have a chance in this one. Everett’s defense actually played all right, especially given the circumstances. But the offense couldn’t finish and goaltender Austin Lotz wasn’t able to come up with the big saves when needed.
The Tips also got crushed in the special teams battle. Prince George went 2-for-4 on the power play, while Everett went 0-for-5 and gave up a short-hander. Those special teams were the difference in the third period and prevented any chance of an Everett comeback.
This loss pretty much negated Everett’s big win over Calgary. Meanwhile, Portland beat Seattle 5-2 despite being outshot 51-28, so Everett’s lead atop the U.S. Division is back down to two points. Portland has one game in hand. And the Tips are in a tough spot having to play league-leading Kelowna on Tuesday with Davis and Pfeifer both unlikely to be back from their upper-body injuries, though Betker will be back from his suspension.
TURNING POINT
The second period was one big turning point. The score was tied 1-1 through one period. Everett created all kinds of scoring chances in the second, but couldn’t find a finish. Meanwhile the Cougars took advantage of their chances to build a 3-1 lead.
THREE STARS
First star: Jansen Harkins, Prince George. Three assists, but I have to admit I was surprised to discover that when I looked at the box score.
Second star: Zach Pochiro, Prince George. One goal and one assist, blew a shot past Lotz off the rush.
Third star: Jake Mykitiuk, Everett. One goal, clearly motivated by playing against his former team as he was flying around.
The Herald’s honorable mention: Chase Witala, Prince George. Two goals, he was clinical.
Final special mention: Dawson Leedahl, Everett. The winger played primarily as an emergency defenseman and more than held his own. The Tips need him up front badly, but he could have a future as a defenseman if he ever wants it. I also want to acknowledge defenseman Lucas Skrumeda, who played well in absorbing a heavy workload. His game has taken tremendous strides this season.
BOX SCORE
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