1In their home-opener for the 2021-22 regular season, the Everett Silvertips hosted the Portland Winterhawks Friday night at the Angel of the Winds Arena. Facing off against a Portland team picked by many to win the U.S Division, Everett made an early-season statement shutting out the Winterhawks 4-0.
In his first action of the season, Silvertips goalie Braden Holt stopped 23 shots, securing the game’s “first-star” recognition. Captain Jackson Berezowski scored the contest’s second and fourth goal, giving him three on the year. Michal Gut opened up the game with the eventual game-winning tally for his first goal of the season. Alex Swetlikoff got in on the scoring action as well, recording his first goal of the year midway through the final period of play.
Everett Silvertips (4) vs. Portland Winterhawks (0)
Closer than you’d think
Typically, 4-0 outcomes lead to the assumption of a one-sided tilt. How could a closely contested battle conclude with a four-goal deficit? In the case of Friday night’s game, that is what occurred.
Especially in the opening period, Portland played as Everett’s equal, even dictating the pace at times. The Winterhawks received a couple of key opportunities on the power play and registering some quality chances towards the Silvertips net throughout the night. Luckily for Everett, Holt and the penalty-kill stood tall, never allowing the opposition to capitalize.
Where Portland did not take advantage of their opportunities, Everett did. The Silvertips beat Portland netminder Dante Giannuzzi four times on 26 shots. Everett played a very situationally disciplined game, deciding against unnecessary risks. They allowed the Winterhawks to execute their attack but remained ready to defend against it throughout the game. Then, when the opportunities presented themselves, they took advantage.
Goose eggs on the power play
In a match with 15 penalties and nine power plays, both the Silvertips and Winterhawks struggled to manage a single goal on the man advantage. Everett is now 1-12 (8.3%) on the power play this season, Failing on their five opportunities.
Of course, any team wants to see that percentage at a higher number. At the same time, the Silvertips offensive special teams have looked far from horrid. The group manages to spend prolonged periods in the offensive zone while effectively moving the puck around the ice. Even their zone entries look crisp and flawless. The only issue is they are not scoring enough. Still, Everett is only two games into their season. One would imagine that their fortunes will turn if they maintain that level of play on the man advantage.
A different story from Sunday
After participating in a season-opener where Everett allowed Spokane to remain in the contest, the Silvertips managed to hold onto all certainty of a victory Friday.
Even though the match-up against the Winterhawks was closely contested, it was not where it truly mattered. Thanks to a combination of quality goaltending and solid team defence, the Silvertips took the air out of Portland’s lungs more and more after each goal scored. The team never let up. It is that killer instinct that will allow Everett to win more games than they lose this season.
A statement victory
Yes, we remain in the infantile stages of the 2021-22 WHL regular season. That said, it is never too early to make a statement against a division rival gunning for supremacy. With the departure of Dustin Wolf, many wondered if Everett’s time as the U.S. Division’s elite had come to a close. Many were ready to bestow that honour upon the Winterhawks. With last night’s decisive victory, the Silvertips at least let Portland know they are prepared for a dog fight atop the standings.
On tap
Once again, Everett plays only one game in a weekend, making it challenging to establish any momentum. That said, the Silvertips finally partake in their first multi-game weekend on October 15th and 16th in a home-and-home series against the Seattle Thunderbirds. Friday’s game will take place on the road while they play Saturdays at home.
