TALKING POINTS
In eight years I’m not sure I’ve seen one team dominate the Tips in a season series the way the Chiefs have dominated Everett this season (perhaps Spokane in 08-09?). It’s not just losing six of seven to Spokane, it’s the manner in which the Chiefs have won those games. Spokane
has just crushed Everett on the shot clock (53-23 tonight) and even when the score is close there’s little sense that the Tips can pull it out. Right now I’m wondering how Everett was able to beat Spokane that one time back in December.
Not only were the Chiefs good tonight, they were also lucky. The game’s opening goal was a gift when a rimmed puck took a funny hop off the boards, bouncing right in front with goalie Kent Simpson stranded. Comcast Arena is definitely beginning to show wear in its eighth year. There’s been so many bad bounces this season off boards, glass, stanchions, etc., and most of those have come in the end Everett defends twice.
But the fortunate goal was hardly the reason why Spokane won the game. The Chiefs are just better. They work harder, they have better puck control and they have better awareness. Simpson’s play was the only reason why Spokane didn’t hit double digits.
Everett winger Campbell Elynuik appeared to have injured himself again. Elynuik came off favoring one side following a first-period fight with Darren Kramer and did not return. Elynuik has already missed 34 games this season because of shoulder injuries, and he was playing just his second game since missing two months.
TURNING POINT
Everett wasn’t out of it yet, trailing 3-2 midway through the third period when the Chiefs had a goal waived off following a lengthy video review. The Tips could have built some momentum off the disallowed goal. However, the Chiefs scored anyway just 58 seconds later, and there was no coming back from there.
HIT OF THE DAY
Late in the first period Spokane’s Jared Cowen leveled Cody Fowlie while near the boards at Spokane’s blue line.
THREE STARS
First star: Levko Koper, Spokane. Hat trick, though the final two goals were scored after the game was long decided.
Second star: Brenden Kichton, Spokane. Two goals, he had his shooting radar on tonight.
Third star: Anthony Bardaro, Spokane. Three assists, a good all-around game.
The Herald’s honorable mention: Dominik Uher, Spokane. Just one assist, but played a dynamic game. Also a special mention for Cowen, who was a plus-6.
BOX SCORE
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