TALKING POINTS
This game emphasized the difference between Portland and Everett. Territorially the game was pretty even. The Winterhawks only outshot the Tips 46-39, and the scoring chances were roughly even. But Portland can finish and Everett can’t, and as a result a game that felt pretty even ends up with a one-sided final score. That’s why Portland is the No. 1 seed and Everett is the No. 8 seed.
At least Everett’s scoreless drought is over. Nearly four full games without a goal came to an end when Markus McCrea put home a rebound midway through the second period. The final tally on Everett’s scoreless string: 235 minutes, 4 seconds.
Everett’s still without No. 1 goaltender Kent Simpson because of his sprained ankle. Luke Siemens continues to try his best in Simpson’s place, but he didn’t have his best night.
Everett overage forward Parker Stanfield did not finish the game. Stanfield was high sticked by Nino Niederreiter midway through the second period. He was bleeding from his face and had to be helped off the ice. His status for Wednesday’s Game 3 is undetermined.
TURNING POINT
McCrea’s goal cut Everett’s deficit to 2-1 and looked like it was going to make it a new game. But Portland has this uncanny ability to score on demand, and just 3:22 later Niederreiter dived to push home a loose puck, restoring Portland’s two-goal lead.
HIT OF THE DAY
Midway through the second period Portland’s Brad Ross put a big-time hip check on Josh Winquist into the boards. Winquist had to be helped off the ice, but later returned.
THREE STARS
First star: Niederreiter. Two goals and one assist, both his goals were huge and they were scored in dramatically different fashions.
Second star: Troy Rutkowski, Portland. One goal and two assists, his shots from the point were a constant hazard.
Third star: Craig Cunningham, Portland. Two goals, played his standard solid game.
The Herald’s honorable mention: Ryan Harrison, Everett. One assist, played a physical game.
BOX SCORE
SERIES SCHEDULE
Game 1: Portland 4, Everett 0
Game 2: Portland 7, Everett 2 (Portland leads series 2-0)
Game 3: Portland at Everett, Wednesday
Game 4: Portland at Everett, Thursday
Game 5 (if necessary): Everett at Portland, Saturday
Game 6 (if necessary): Portland at Everett, Apr. 4
Game 7 (if necessary): Everett at Portland, Apr. 6
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