Defense still dinged

The Silvertips just swept a three-in-three, despite being severely short-handed on defense the final two games. The Tips are en route to Kamloops for a three-game road trip through Kamloops and Prince George, and while the defense is on the mend, Everett may still be short.

Everett played the past two games without defensemen Connor Cox (neck), Austin Adam (head) and Ayrton Nikkel (foot). Today before the team boarded the bus, Nikkel skated briefly in practice before departing early, and Cox practiced in a no-contact jersey. Both boarded the bus and could return at some point during the trip. Adam, meanwhile, remained in Everett.

So it's possible the Tips will be getting some defensive relief during the road trip, but it's not guaranteed. As such, Landon Oslanski practiced as a defenseman today, the first time I've seen him practicing on the blue line since the coaching change. Also, Everett playing its next game in Kamloops is convenient as it happens to be the hometown of 15-year-old defensive prospect Kevin Davis, who filled in as an emergency call-up over the weekend. Davis is once again on standby.

As for Everett's injuries up front, winger Dawson Leedahl (knee) has been cleared to return and is available during the road trip. Winger Lucas Grayson (lower body) has returned to practice, but is still considered day-to-day.