The Portland Winterhawks (5-2-0-1) faced off against the Everett Silvertips (5-3-0-0) for the third time this season. The teams split the first two games in Everett. The Winterhawks entered the contest looking for their sixth straight win. The Silvertips were seeking their third win in as many nights. At the end of the game it was the Silvertips leaving with two points thanks to being a perfect 10-for-10 killing penalties.
Not only did Everett shut down the Winterhawks’ power play, they were able to keep WHL leading scorer Joachim Blichfeld off the scoresheet for the first time this season.
Prior to tonight, the Winterhawks boasted the WHL’s best power play and Everett took five penalties in the first period. The Winterhawks were unable to convert as the Silvertips kept Portland to the outside. Dustin Wolf was strong in net, saving all 11 shots sent his way. Washington Capitals third-round pick Riley Sutter took a double minor penalty as he caught Vegas Golden Knights first round pick Cody Glass near the eye. The high stick drew blood, but after the game Glass confirmed he felt okay.
After successfully killing the penalty, the Silvertips “generated momentum and scored at the end of our power play” Winterhawks assistant coach Kyle Gustafson said. Martin Fasko-Rudas, an 18-year-old import player from Slovakia, scored just ten seconds after the Riley Sutter’s penalty expired giving the Silvertips a 1-0 lead.
The second period saw more of the same. Everett continued to take penalties, but also gained confidence as they shut down Portland’s power play. Fasko-Rudas played a key role as he positioned his stick in passing lanes all night long. After another strong penalty kill, Dawson Butt emerged from the penalty box and set-up Akash Bains for his first goal of the season. Through two periods the Silvertips had taken eight penalties, seven of which were high sticking infractions.
While the Winterhawks were able to generate some quality chances on their power play, they finally found the back of the net while playing 5-on-5 hockey. The Portland bench needed a spark. Cody Glass mentioned, “having that many power plays either way really kills the energy on the bench.” After a faceoff to the right of Wolf, Glass found Reece Newkirk on the backdoor for his sixth goal this season.
Everett answered three minutes later on what appeared to be a harmless shot directed towards Shane Farkas. Wyatte Wylie fired a shot about six inches off the ice which went over Farkas’ pad and below his glove. Farkas was caught off guard and looked to be screened on the shot, but is one he would like to have back.
Before the second period buzzer Robbie Fromm-Delorme scored his first career WHL goal and cut the Winterhawks deficit to one. Fromm-Delorme appeared to be heading for a line change as he was near the end of his shift, but Mason Mannek was strong on the forecheck and caused a turnover. Robbie gave credit to Mannek, “It was near the end of my shift, but I saw the 2-on-1 develop after Manny forced the turnover and he set me up for a tap-in.” Kyle Gustafson praised the line of Mannek, Fromm-Delorme, and Cross Hanas, “they were strong on the forecheck all night and forced a turnover.”
Everett clamped down in the third period limiting Portland’s chances. Through two periods the Silvertips had given up 24 shots, but only allowed eight in the third. Most of the chances came from the perimeter with the Winterhawks’ best chance coming from Glass, but as he was all night, Dustin Wolf was there to make the save. Wolf finished the night with 30 saves on 32 shots.
The Winterhawks pulled Farkas for the extra attacker with 1:11 left, but despite winning three offensive zone faceoffs, Everett prevented any high-risk scoring chances. After a Portland turnover at the blue line, Bryce Kindopp put the game away with an empty net goal.
Notes:
– Tonight was the first time since Cody Glass returned where he did not have a multi-point game. Joachim Blichfeld was also held without a point in the game, he is now tied with Prince Albert’s Brett Leason for the WHL lead.
– Portland continues to rotate players on their blue line while Matthew Quigley is out with an injury. Nick Cicek and Kade Nolan were the third defensive pair for the Winterhawks
– Jake Gricius has emerged as a player head coach Mike Johnston trusts to take key faceoffs. Gricius took a team high 17 faceoffs, winning 12. Riley Sutter for the Silvertips was on the ice for an amazing 24.
