GAME RECAP: Silvertips battle through for 4-1 win in Game 3 over Kelowna

KELOWNA, B.C. — The Everett Silvertips survived an early onslaught in Game Three, besting the Kelowna Rockets 4-1 at Prospera Place Tuesday night to take a 3-0 series lead.

The Tips were outshot 16-4 in the first period as the Rockets sent a heavy forecheck with a tough physical presence. Everett struck first in the second period, as Julius Miettinen generated a turnover behind the Rockets’ net and found Matias Vanhanen open in the slot at 7:45 for Vanhanen’s sixth of the playoffs. Brek Liske then snuck a shot from the boards home just 24 seconds later for a 2-0 Tips advantage.

Miettinen cashed in with a rebound goal of his own at 16:56, sliding a loose puck through the wickets of netminder Harrison Boettiger for a 3-0 lead after two periods.

Though Tomas Poletin grabbed a powerplay goal at 5:52 in the third period, a Lukas Kaplan penalty shot goal at 16:24 sealed a 4-1 victory.

Anders Miller stopped 36 of 37 in the win.

Game Four is set for Wednesday night at 7 p.m., with a potential Game Five if necessary at Angel of the Winds Arena Friday night.