The Tips threw me a curveball Tuesday night.
I was all set to write a feature for Friday about Everett having the top-ranked penalty kill in the league, then the Tips gave up four power-play goals to Kamloops. So much for that idea.
However, the Tips unwittingly gave me an alternative subject when they got whistled for three — that’s right, THREE — too-many-men penalties. I personally have never seen one team whistled for too many men three times in one game, and I have yet to encounter anyone else who has.
And it wasn’t just last night. Over the last week Everett’s gotten tagged for too many men in just about every game. These have come at the most inopportune times, too. Twice the Tips have been called for too many men with less than two minutes remaining in a one-goal game. Aganist Vancouver it forced Everett to fend off a six-on-four to hang on for the win, against Kamloops it prevented the Tips the opportunity to pull their goaltender for an extra attacker.
So who’s to blame for the problem? Is it the coaches for calling out confusing line changes or trying to get new players on the ice a step early? Is it the players for misunderstanding the coaches or being overeager in hurdling the boards? Did the personnel changes resulting from injuries and last week’s trade put everyone out of whack? I don’t know, but it looks disorganized and doesn’t reflect particularly well on anyone.
One piece of real news today. Defenseman Dane Crowley is out for the weekend after receiving a facial cut and a concussion on a hit from Kamloops defenseman Mike Gauthier. There was no penalty called on the play, but the Tips claim it was a hit to the head from behind and are weighing whether to send a video of the hit to the league for review.
Therefore, in all likelihood Everett will be without three top players — Crowley, right wing Dan Gendur (shoulder) and center Zack Dailey (wrist) — for this weekend’s games against Regina and Seattle.
Anyway, that’s all for now. Hope everyone has a happy Thanksgiving.
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