The Everett Silvertips are on to the second round after a convincing 4-0 victory over the Seattle Thunderbirds in Game 5.
Everett’s opponent will be either second-seeded Portland or third-seeded Spokane. Portland leads that series 3-2 with Game 6 scheduled for Monday in Spokane.
Carter Hart looked as locked in as ever while turning in his third career postseason shutout (and second against Seattle).
Despite Game 2’s five-goal debacle, Hart is again back atop the leader board of the postseason goalie stats. And it’s not really clear if Game 2 was a true “debacle.” Two of Seattle’s regulation goals occurred via power play, and the game-winner came seven-plus minutes into overtime on a highlight-reel goal from Zack Andrusiak.
And just like that Carter Hart is back leading the #WHL in postseason save percentage and GAA – even with a five-goal loss in Game 2: pic.twitter.com/dItUqPYvMb
— Jesse Geleynse (@JesseGeleynse) April 1, 2018
Saturday’s game was less physical than we might have expected. Just three penalties were called and Everett earned the lone power play. Head coach Dennis Williams attributed that to the fatigue generated by playing five times in the past eight days.
“Both teams in the last four games were hitting a lot and with the quick turnaround it takes a toll,” he said. “They were short a D-man there and some of their big-minute guys had to play more, so I’m sure that took a little toll there as well.”
Everett’s second line – comprised of Connor Dewar, Riley Sutter and Garrett Pilon – had a tremendous series. That trio combined for eight goals and 10 assists (despite Sutter missing Game 3 to suspension) and totaled six points in Game 5.
“That line was the best line between both teams,” Williams said. “I don’t know if (Seattle) played any (Game 5) minutes in our zone (with that line on the ice). They just worked, cycled, competed, and their offensive opportunities were just from pure cycles and taking pucks to the net.”
Everett’s top line of Sean Richards, Matt Fonteyne and Patrick Bajkov certainly did its part as that line combined for eight goals and eight assists.
As always you can find additional coverage from 710 ESPN Seattle’s Andy Eide here and Seattle Times coverage from Jim Riley here.
For the latest Silvertips news follow Jesse Geleynse on Twitter.
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