EVERETT — Benjamin Franklin said there were just two certainties in life.
But for a while there were actually three: death, taxes and the Everett Silvertips beating the Portland Winter Hawks.
However, the time when Everett could count on putting a notch in the win column when Portland came to town appears to be over.
The Tips entertain the Winterhawks twice this week, beginning with tonight’s game at Comcast Arena. But the Portland team that arrives today bears little resemblance to the downtrodden teams of recent history (starting with the nickname change from Winter Hawks to Winterhawks).
“They’re a different team than they were in years’ past, so it’s going to be a real test,” said Tips captain Zack Dailey, who witnessed first-hand Portland’s struggles the past three seasons. “They’re playing great hockey, they’re one of the top teams in the league right now.”
Portland had a disastrous past three seasons. The Winterhawks compiled a dismal three-year record of 47-158-6-5, finishing dead last in the WHL in 2006-07 and 2007-08 before finishing second-to-last last season.
During that period a lot of teams piled up good records against Portland, but no one took more advantage of the Winterhawks’ down years than the Tips. Beginning on Oct. 6, 2007 and ending on Jan. 2 of 2009 Everett won 13 straight games against the Winterhawks. Overall against Portland the past three season Everett went 24-6. How rare were losses to the Winterhawks? There was one infamous game in January of 2007 where an unexpected Everett home defeat so incensed the fans that a riot nearly broke out in the stands.
Even when Portland wasn’t in the basement the Tips seemed to find a way to beat the Winterhawks. Everett is 43-14-0-2 with four ties all-time against Portland, plus the Tips upset the Winterhawks in 2005 in the teams’ one-and-only playoff meeting.
But the times, as they say, are a-changing. Portland general manager/coach Mike Johnston, in his first full season in charge, seems to have performed a Dr. Frankenstein-like operation on the team, giving the Winterhawks life where before there was none. Portland served notice by dominating teams during the preseason, including a 7-3 victory over Everett. The Winterhawks have since carried their play over into the regular season, starting 5-1 and outscoring opponents 28-12.
Those are hard numbers to fathom for a team that struggled mightily the past three seasons.
“All I know is what I’ve seen this year, and there’s not much struggle to their game,” said first-year Everett coach Craig Hartsburg, who never experienced the bad Winterhawks. “They play a really skilled, fast game. To me, from what I’ve seen and based on their start, I think they’re probably the best team in the league right now. We think we can be a good team, so we have a chance to play them and it will be a great challenge for us.”
But are the players cognizant of Portland’s transformation? This is Everett’s first regular season meeting with the Winterhawks. When the teams played during the preseason several of Everett’s regulars were away at NHL rookie camps and thus didn’t see Portland in its new-found glory. With 16 players returning from last season who only know the Winterhawks as perennial bottom feeders, could any complacency set in with the Tips?
“There might have been, but everyone’s seen them play and everyone sees their record,” Dailey responded. “Coach has been saying they’re a good team, so I don’t think anyone’s going to be taking them lightly.”
Everett may have been primed for Portland’s turnaround. In addition to the lopsided preseason result, the Winterhawks won the final two contests between the teams last season.
Add in that Everett is coming off a lengthy 10-day layoff and the Tips realize they’re in for a challenge tonight. But they’re happy to have a game again following the unusual early-season layoff.
“I’m really excited,” defenseman Chris de la Lande said. “It’s been a while. We’ve practiced hard this week, gotten in pretty good shape so far, so it’s going to be good.”
Clothing drive
The Tips, in conjunction with YWCA, are holding a clothing drive at tonight’s game. Fans are encourages to bring clothing, shoes and accessories for donation. For more information, check on line at www.ywcaworks.org.
Nick Patterson’s Silvertips blog: http://www.heraldnet.com/silvertipsblog
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