Five-Goal Burst Keys Sweep in Portland
PORTLAND, OR – The Everett Silvertips scored five goals over a ten-minute stretch of the second period to erase a two-goal deficit on their way to a 6-4 win over the Portland Winterhawks Sunday evening at the Moda Center. After sweeping a back-to-back set in Portland to start the year with three consecutive road wins, the Silvertips will prepare for opening weekend on home ice as Kelowna visits XFINITY Arena on Friday and the Winterhawks follow on Saturday.
Carson Stadnyk posted a career-high four points in the game with a goal and three assists, while Noah Juulsen also enjoyed his best offensive game to date on a goal and two assists. Graham Millar tipped in two Juulsen shots to give him four goals this season, while Patrick Bajkov and Kevin Davis also found the net for Everett. Tristen Pfeifer and Lucas Skrumeda both notched their first career points with assists in the win, which was the 50th of Austin Lotz’ WHL career.
Everett tested Brendan Burke with chances in the first few minutes, but the Portland netminder kept the visitors off the scoreboard early. The ‘Tips snatched the game’s first goal late in the period just as a ‘Hawks powerplay ended. An errant pass to the point created a loose puck at neutral ice on the play, with Patrick Bajkov outracing Keoni Texeira and then slipping a forehand shot inside the post to make it 1-0 Silvertips.
A crazy second period saw Portland score three times in the first eight minutes to take a 3-1 lead. Evan Weinger notched his first two WHL goals less than four minute apart and then Chase De Leo scored on the powerplay as the Hawks took a multi-goal lead by the 7:42 mark. With the ‘Tips looking for a change in momentum, Carter Hart was replaced in goal by Austin Lotz.
Only 22 seconds after the De Leo goal, Noah Juulsen answered for Everett off a slapshot from the point that changed direction in front and snuck past Burke to open the floodgates for the Silvertips. Two powerplay goals just over two minutes apart would follow to tie the game and then put the ‘Tips ahead; both the result of Juulsen point blasts that were redirected in front by Graham Millar. Another point shot through traffic from Kevin Davis gave Everett a 5-3 lead, with Stadnyk capping the period by tapping in the rebound of his own shot that caromed off the glass and back in front on a breakaway.
Leading 6-3 as the third period began, the Silvertips continued to carry the play and own the puck through the first ten minutes of the final period. Portland turned the tide and finished with 17 shots in the third, drawing back within two on a goal by Anton Cederholm at 13:09. Austin Lotz made sure they got no closer as the Silvertips finished off the 6-4 win.
Lotz (2-0) ended with 21 saves to earn the win after Carter Hart had stopped 11 of 14 shots in the first 28 minutes. Brendan Burke (0-2) had 18 saves on 24 shots in the first 40 minutes before being relieved by Adin Hill, who made ten saves. The Silvertips converted two of three powerplay chances, while Portland was 2 for 6. Portland finished with a 36-34 shot edge.
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The Silvertips will now return home for their long-awaited opening weekend at XFINITY Arena. The ‘Tips host the defending regular season champion Kelowna Rockets Friday night at 7:35 pm as we look to “Fill the House” for Housing Hope. Visit EverettSilvertips.com/FillTheHouse to find out how you can help raise money for an important local cause. Everett is right back on home ice Saturday night at 7:00 pm for another matchup with the Winterhawks.
For more information call 425-252-5100, “like” the Everett Silvertips Hockey Club on Facebook or follow @WHLSilvertips on Twitter.
