The Game
The Everett Silvertips started slowly. Very slowly. They had just five shots in the first period and needed a late second-period power play to crack double digits.
Nevertheless, they scored twice in the third period, and got the sort of performance they’ve come to expect from Carter Hart en route to a 3-2 win over their closest rival.
Friday night once again was a big night for milestones. Patrick Bajkov’s short-handed goal in the second period not only tied the game 1-1, but propelled him into second place all alone for points in franchise history. Reece Vitelli’s go-ahead goal late in the third was his second of the season and a came as a result of seeing where teammate Sean Richards was headed, and going to the front of the net.
Head coach Dennis Williams has emphasized going to the net ad nauseum, and Tips practices reflect that. Vitelli’s goal showed why the coaching staff preaches it so much.
Sean Richards’ empty-netter pushed his goal/point streak to five games.
The power play continues to struggle. Granted, Everett played its best in the final period, and no penalties were called in the frame until the Tips had taken a two-goal lead. Nevertheless, they’re 1-for-34 going back to the game at Kamloops.
The first goal Hart allowed came after the puck found its way into the slot and the green-clad skaters did little to clear it. Nolan Volcan stepped in and put it into the net past Hart from point-blank range.
I didn’t get a good look at Volcan’s second goal that cut the lead to 3-2 with 10 seconds to play because I was cranking out my game story to meet deadline.
Bonus
Colleague Andy Eide was in Everett to cover the Thunderbirds. You can read his story here.
The Turning Point
While on the penalty kill Bajkov deflected the puck to himself, won a footrace and buried a shot past Liam Hughes at 13:01 in the second to tie the game 1-1.
Three Stars
Everett G Carter Hart: Hart finished with 31 saves on 33 shots
Everett F Patrick Bajkov: Bajkov had a goal and an assist as he moved into second place on the franchise points list.
Seattle G Liam Hughes: Hughes saved 23 of the 25 shots he faced.
For the latest Silvertips news follow Jesse Geleynse on Twitter.
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