Feature Game of the Night: Everett Silvertips @ Vancouver Giants 7:30 PM PST
One of nine games in the WHL on Friday Night has the top two teams in the Western Conference facing off at the Langley Events Centre. This is the fourth meeting of the season between the Giants and Silvertips. So far the Giants lead the season series 2-1, but sit eight points back for first place in the Western Conference.
The Everett Silvertips (25-7-1-1) are enjoying yet another successful season in the ever so competitive US Division. With the departure of Carter Hart, ‘Tips fans weren’t sure what they’d get from Dustin Wolf in a full time starter position with the club. Through 34 games, Wolf looks to be mighty comfortable guarding the
cage as he places in the top five for a number of categories for goaltending stats in the league.
- 3rd in Goals Against Average with 1.87
- 3rd in Save Percentage with .928
- T-1st in wins with 23
- 2nd in shutouts with 2
Scouts are closely watching Wolf, as the 2001-born is touted to be one of the elite goaltenders come draft time in June.
The Silvertips lost their last game in a shootout to Spokane but prior to that were on quite the streak and have not lost in regulation in nearly a month as Friday November 16th was the last regulation loss the ‘Tips had.
The Vancouver Giants (21-6-2-0) have been in the win column for some time now as well. The G-men have won seven straight and have no signs of slowing down. Even though they’re eight points back of first in the west, the Giants do have five games in hand so they could end up being ahead of the ‘Tips when all is said and done. Last game out was a nail biter though, the Giants returned to the Pacific Coliseum for the 2nd time this season for their annual Teddy Bear Toss against the Victoria Royals, and failed to score until just over 58 minutes of hockey. That goal tied the game at one, the Giants eventually went on to win it in overtime. It’s been a full team effort from this Giants squad though, with top notch goaltending, a solid defence, and a deep forward group the Giants are set up for a deep run into the playoffs.
Expect this matchup to have a playoff atmosphere even though it is only December.
Leading Scorers:
Connor Dewar- EVT- (24G-21A) 2nd in WHL Goal Scoring, one behind Joachim Blichfeld for the lead.
Davis Koch- VAN- (9G-21A) Riding a ten game point streak, (5G, 11A) over that stretch
Who’s likely starting?
Dustin Wolf- EVT- (1.87 GAA, .928 SV%) Has only allowed six goals over his last four starts
David Tendeck- VAN- (2.349 GAA, .910 SV%) Combined .942 SV% over his last two starts
Other FriYAY Action:
Saskatoon Blades (20-10-3-0) @ Brandon Wheat Kings (14-9-3-3)
- First meeting of the season, Saskatoon is on a four game winning streak before puck drop
Regina Pats (8-23-0-1) @ Moose Jaw Warriors (16-7-4-1)
- Third meeting of the season, both previous meetings were one goal games, both won by Moose Jaw.
Swift Current Broncos (6-23-1-1) @ Prince Albert Raiders (29-2-0-1)
- One of PA’s three losses came against SC in their last meeting.
Kelowna Rockets (15-16-2-0) @ Calgary Hitmen (14-14-2-1)
- Kelowna has not lost in their last five seasons at CGY, 2-0 over that span.
Kamloops Blazers (12-14-2-1) @ Kootenay Ice (7-21-5-1)
- Kootenay is winless in their last ten games, 0-8-2-0.
Medicine Hat Tigers (16-14-1-2) @ Red Deer Rebels (20-9-2-0)
- Both teams on three game winning streaks, MH is 3-0 in three meetings this season.
Spokane Chiefs (17-11-2-2) @ Seattle Thunderbirds (11-14-3-0)
- Spokane has won all three meetings vs. SEA so far this season, the Chiefs are 4-9-1-0 their last five years @ SEA.
Prince George Cougars (11-17-1-2) @ Victoria Royals (14-13-1-0)
- PG is 2-8-0-0, VIC is 2-7-1-0, respectively over their last ten games.
