TALKING POINTS
Well, Everett’s four-game winning streak came crashing to an end tonight. The game was a lot closer than the final score — Tri-City only outshot Everett 34-29 and the territorial battle was pretty even. However, Tri-City received good goaltending from Chet Pickard and Everett received not-so-good goaltending from Kent Simpson. Rough night for Simpson, but for the 16-year-old rookie it was just another part of the learning process.
Everett also struggled to contain Tri-City’s speed as the Americans had the Tips scrambling like they hadn’t in their games Wednesday and Friday against Portland. No question Tri-City presents a different kind of challenge than the Winter Hawks.
The start was Simpson’s fourth in Everett’s past five games, indicating he may have been gaining an edge in the battle for the No. 1 spot with Shayne Barrie. But Everett coach John Becanic insists Simpson and Barrie remain in a dead heat. I’ll be surprised if Barrie isn’t in net when the teams play again Wednesday in Kennewick. He’s played well there in the past.
TURNING POINT
Tri-City scored twice late in the second period, Brett Plouffe and Brooks Macek finding the net 3:24 apart, to break a 2-2 tie. Both goals were ones Simpson would probably like to have back.
HIT OF THE DAY
Not a lot of note tonight. Everett’s Drew McDermott put a nice hit on Mason Wilgosh into the boards midway through the third period.
THREE STARS
First star: Pickard. Finished with 27 saves and was the only reason Tri-City escaped the first period with the game still scoreless.
Second star: Kruise Reddick, Tri-City. Congratulations on the first career hat trick.
Third star: Dale Hunt, Everett. Congratulations on the first goal as a Silvertip.
The Herald’s honorable mention: Plouffe. Good offensive game from the Tri-City defenseman.
LINEUP NOTES
Everett shuffled its fourth line again, with forwards Paul Van de Velde and Tyler Parker returning to the lineup in place of Markus McCrea and Cameron Abney, who were healthy scratches. Forward Ryan White (ankle) and defenseman Shayne Brown (hip flexor) are out injured. New defenseman Trevor Bauer is not considered ready to enter the lineup yet.
Tri-City is without forward Jason Gardiner because of a broken leg. Forwards Brock Zimak and Spencer Asuchak, defenseman Cam Stevens and goaltender Brett Martyniuk were healthy scratches.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
