The biggest question mark for the Everett Silvertips heading into the playoffs is the status of No. 1 goaltender Kent Simpson. Simpson suffered a sprained ankle on Mar. 4 at Tri-City and hasn’t played since. Will he be back in time for Saturday’s Game 1?
That hasn’t been decided yet. Simpson has made progress. He’s back on his skates and has rejoined practices in full gear. However, as of Wednesday he had yet to take part fully in drills (the team did not take the ice Thursday), and Tips coach Craig Hartsburg said today that he doesn’t know at this point whether Simpson will be ready by Saturday. Call-up Andy Desautels remains with the team in case Simpson can’t go and the Tips need to rely on Luke Siemens.
This is a big deal. Everett is a heavy underdog in this series, and for the Tips to have a chance they need stellar goaltending. Before getting hurt Simpson was giving Everett that stellar goaltending. Siemens has done an admirable job in Simpson’s absence, but you can bet the Tips would like to have the goalie who shut out Portland on Feb. 25 available come Saturday.
The news is more definitive on Everett’s two injured forwards. Captain Landon Ferraro (groin) has practiced all week and should be ready to go Saturday. Overager Clayton Cumiskey (concussion) has not practiced and is not available this weekend.
On the Portland side, the Winterhawks will be without defenseman Brett Ponich (knee) and winger Oliver Gabriel (shoulder) for the series. Both suffered what were considered season-ending injuries in January. There have been rumblings that Ponich, the team’s captain, may be able to return at some point in the playoffs. However, Portland coach Mike Johnston confirmed it wouldn’t be in the first round.
Gabriel was Portland’s most-effective offensive player against Everett during the regular season, so he’ll be missed. That being said, the Winterhawks have more than enough offensive weapons to compensate.
Portland goaltender Mac Carruth, who missed much of the last month of the season because of a concussion and a leg injury, is expected to be ready to go Saturday.
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