INSIDE THE GAME // Defense Never Rests

By Ian McNaughton – Silvertips Staff Writer

EVERETT, Wash. – When the defense is scoring goals and the goalie shuts out his opponent, there’s a good chance your team will secure a victory.

That’s what happened to the Everett Silvertips on Wednesday night as they defeated their US Division rivals, the Spokane Chiefs, 4-0. The Tips are now undefeated in five meetings against Spokane and will meet again on December 15th at Angel of the Winds Arena.

Dylan Anderson scored his first career WHL goal. (Photo: Chris Mast)

While the Silvertips defense was lighting it up, Michal Gut seemed to be in the right place all night. Gut had one goal and two assists and was named the first star for his electrifying performance. It was Gut’s first goal since November 16 as the 2019 Import Draft first-round pick is averaging nearly a point per game with 19 points in 21 games. Against the Chiefs, Gut has scored two goals and six assists with a +2 rating.

But again, it was the defense that was helping run the show on Wednesday. Everett’s defenders scored three of their four goals, including Dylan Anderson notching his first career goal in the second period. His teammate Gianni Fairbrother had a goal and an assist as he’s found the back of the night in three of his last four games.

Third-star of the night, Ronan Seeley scored his first regular-season WHL goal since he scored against the Chiefs on March 5 last season and finished the evening with two points of his own.

Then there’s Wolf.

After getting a night off for rest on Sunday, Dustin Wolf put in a 26-save shutout effort to earn second-star.

He’s now four wins behind Kent Simpson for fourth all-time wins and six shutouts behind Lelan Irving for second all-time shutouts in Silvertips history. His 0.939 save percentage is the best among all CHL goalies and also has the third-best GAA in the CHL at 1.94. His four shutouts this season is the most in the WHL this season.