TALKING POINTS
It wasn’t a very good third period for Everett, as the Tips allowed five goals to allow a big Spokane comeback. However, I think the more important thing is that Everett played a far better game tonight than Friday night against Tri-City. The Tips looked much more like a team that had a plan and was capable of executing it. Here’s some quick observations:
– Special teams! As I’m sure you know, the Tips were awful on the power play last season. They went 2-for-4 on the power play tonight. However, Everett’s best work was done on the penalty kill as they killed off eight of Spokane’s nine power plays, including a five-minute advantage and two long five-on-threes. The energy expended killing penalties no doubt contributed to the third-period breakdown.
– Vladimir Dolnik is not shy. The big Slovakian winger was throwing hits, battling in front of the net — he got his first goal in an Everett uniform by fighting for a loose puck in front — and was even a willing participant in a fight. Someone should let him know, however, that if gets into a fight he should probably take his gloves off.
– Josh Birkholz scored for the second straight night on another bullet shot off the rush. Everett needs him to produce more this season, and so far he’s looking like he might be more settled in his second season in the WHL. And I’ve got to say, it’s breathtaking watching him skate.
– You will not see a bigger hit this season than the one Everett’s Zach McPhee laid on Jason Fram late in the first period. Fram was stationary in the Spokane slot with the puck and didn’t see McPhee jumping into the play from the bench. McPhee came in and just leveled Fram, prompting Collin Valcourt to jump McPhee.
– Some young players did some positive things for Everett. Center Kohl Bauml was a key component in that penalty killing, blocking several shots. Winger Jordyn Boyd made his presence felt on the forecheck. Defenseman Austin Adam had another decent game, and this time it was without being partnered with Ryan Murray.
– In the goaltending battle, Austin Lotz survived pretty well during the first half, stopping 15 of 16. Andy Desautels, in his first action of the preseason, looked a little nervous while stopping 12 of 16.
BOX SCORE
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