(Everett, WA) The top two teams in the U.S. Division met up for the first time during the 2019-2020 season. Special teams played a key role in the game as the Portland Winterhawks (9-3-0-1) defeated the Everett Silvertips (9-4-0-0) 4-1 on Friday night.
Seth Jarvis started the scoring, and Portland’s success on special teams, under five minutes into the game. Captain Johnny Ludvig sent a pass to the 17-year-old forward who used his speed to get around Gianni Fairbrother. Jarvis was able to beat Dustin Wolf high for an early 1-0 Portland advantage.
The goal came after a video review, a new rule for 2019-2020, where the on-ice officials are able to use video replay to determine if a high sticking penalty was the result of an own high stick. Replay confirmed Reece Newkirk was clipped by Martin Fasko-Rudas’ errant stick. The result was a four minute Portland power play for the Fasko-Rudas double minor.
With under a minute left in the first period Everett was looking to tie the game on the power play. However, Mason Mannek had other ideas. He stripped the puck at the Silvertips’ blue line and had a partial breakaway. After Wolf made the initial save, Mannek followed up his own shot for his second goal of the season.
The first period was a story of the first half vs. second half. The Winterhawks led on the shot counter 9-1 after the first 10:06. However, the Silvertips pushed back with a strong final 9:54 as they outshot Portland 10-1.
A second video review was needed at the end of the first period as Everett believed they scored. Captain Bryce Kindopp got the puck through Joel Hofer’s legs and the goal horn sounded. However, the clock in the arena showed 0.0. The video replay official determined the puck crossed the line after the period had ended.
Everett went to the locker room trailing 2-0.
Both teams scored once in the second period.
First, Portland struck again on the power play. Jarvis once again used his speed to gain the zone. Fellow 17-year-old Robbie Fromm-Delorme made a move just inside the Everett line before cutting to the front. The Richmond, BC native spotted overage forward Lane Gilliss in front for a simple redirect goal.
Portland finished the evening 2-for-5 on the power play and a perfect 5-for-5 on the penalty kill.
Parker Hendren netted his first goal of the season after a scramble in front of Hofer. Several Silvertips had quality chances in front of the blue crease before the puck finally landed on the stick of Hendren. With his head up, the Regina native picked a spot in the partially open net getting Everett within two.
The third period was significantly more physical than the first two.
Everett and Portland combined for 12 penalties totaling 44 minutes including two separate fights.
Defenseman Matthew Quigley extended the Winterhawks lead to 4-1 with 11:31 to play in regulation. After his initial shot was blocked by Fasko-Rudas, the 20-year-old blue liner fired a shot from the right point beating Wolf between the chest and arm.
The final 11 minutes were chippy after the teams continued to battle after the whistle.
Clay Hanus and Gianni Fairbrother got involved in a quick bout with not many punches thrown. About five minutes later Conrad Mitchell and Matthew Quigley had to be separated by both linesman. The two were giving fighting major penalties and headed to the locker room early. Dawson Butt picked up a ten-minute misconduct during the exchange as well.
The final three minutes ended without incident and Portland extended their point streak to seven games.
Portland is in the process of playing their first three-in-three this season. Seattle and Kamloops visit the Rose City on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
Everett is also scheduled for a three-in-three. They first host Kamloops on Saturday before heading on the road to Spokane on Sunday night.
Notes:
– Everett was without recently acquired Cole Fonstad who is listed as day-to-day. Defenseman Olen Zellweger is away representing Canada at U-17 Hockey Challenge.
– The Silvertips held a slight edge in faceoffs 39-35. Gage Goncalves led Everett by winning 14 of 28 draws while Jake Gricius paced the Winterhawks 17 of 32.
– Joel Hofer stopped 28 of 29 shots and Dustin Wolf allowed four goals on 26 shots before being replaced. Keegan Karki saved all four shots in relief.
