RECAP: Tips Drop Homestand Opener

EVERETT, Wash. – Michael Rasmussen collected two assists and the Tri-City Americans used a pair of shorthanded goals to hold off the Everett Silvertips, 4-1 at XFINITY Arena on Wednesday night.

The loss ended the Silvertips’ six-game home winning streak and spoiled the debut of newcomer Brycen Martin, a defenseman acquired in a trade Monday with Saskatoon. Brian King netted the only Silvertips goal of the evening, shorthanded in the third period.

Parker Aucoin slammed a rebound to the glove side of Carter Hart, after a pad save on Parker Wotherspoon’s left circle bid, 12:53 into the first period for a 1-0 Tri-City lead. The goal ended a shutout streak the Silvertips posted of 197:55 at home. The Silvertips, searching for an early rhythm, had their best chance fall short on a Carson Stadnyk wraparound, following a three-on-two rush that was led by Martin’s controlled zone entry.

Dylan Coghlan capitalized as the trailer for a 2-0 lead, finishing Michael Rasmussen’s drop pass from between the circles at 8:22 of the second period. Jusso Valimaki and the Americans then finished a shorthanded rush, two-on-two for a 2-0 lead with 1:30 left in the second period, with Valimaki burying a wrister from the left circle.

Brandon Carlo and Beau McCue raced away, shorthanded off a turnover and Carlo’s pass from the right wing found McCue on the tape, whose forehand tuck chased Hart from the net with a 4-0 lead at 3:24 of the third period. Mario Petit made four saves on four shots in 16:36 of action and the Silvertips spoiled Evan Sarthou’s shutout bid at 11:23 on King’s rebound, after Connor Dewar was stopped from the left circle.

Sarthou made 23 saves in net for Tri-City.

SILVERTIPS STARTING LINES
Winkler – Laurencelle – Stadnyk
Bajkov – Fonteyne – Millar  
Dewar – Skoleski – Gerth  
Ralph – Sutter – King        

SILVERTIPS D-PAIRINGS
Skrumeda – Juulsen
Martin – MacDonald    
Christiansen – Pfeifer  

NOTES: The Silvertips scratched Kevin Davis, Yan Khomenko, Mackenzie Dwyer and Dawson Leedahl … Tri-City tied the series, 1-1 and the two teams will meet again Dec. 11 in Kennewick for the first time this season … the Silvertips led the game in shots, 24-20 … King’s goal was his third point in the last four games.

The Silvertips host Prince George on Friday, a 7:35 p.m. face-off at XFINITY Arena (Fox Sports 1380/WHL Live). Tickets are on sale for “Hockey Happy Hour,” where the first 1,500 fans can also collect a limited edition Remi Laurencelle magnet courtesy Pratt Pest Management.

For more information visit www.everettsilvertips.com or call 425-252-5100.  To keep up with all the latest team news and information, “like” the Everett Silvertips Hockey Club on Facebook or follow @WHLSilvertips on Twitter.