Royals Hand ‘Tips Second Straight Defeat
VICTORIA, BC – The Everett Silvertips have suffered back-to-back regulation losses for the first time this season following a 3-1 defeat against the Victoria Royals Friday at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Center. Now at 14-4-2-1 for the season, the Silvertips will look to rebound in their third straight road game Saturday night against the Seattle Thunderbirds.
Brayden Low scored Everett’s only goal in the contest off an assist from Nikita Scherbak, but the ‘Tips were otherwise unable to solve goaltender Jayden Sittler. The ‘Tips outshot Victoria 8-4 in the third period attempting to rally, but were outshot in total by a 29-25 margin. Goaltender Carter Hart (4-1-1-0) was named the game’s third star with 26 saves despite seeing the end of his personal three-game win streak.
The Silvertips had two near goals in the opening minutes with Patrick Bajkov hitting the post on one chance, but Victoria countered with the game’s first score at the 4:17 mark. Austin Carroll received a pass from behind the net and ripped a perfect shot into the top corner from the slot for a 1-0 home lead. Both teams had one unsuccessful powerplay chance in the first period as Victoria carried a 10-9 edge on the shot clock into the intermission.
Everett again started well in the second period, but Jared Dmytriw made it 2-0 Royals just past the midway point by one-timing home the rebound of his own shot that caromed off the backboards. With Victoria carrying the momentum, the Silvertips struck back as Nikita Scherbak stole the puck at the Everett blueline and lofted a pass ahead to Brayden Low. On a clear-cut breakaway, Low tucked a backhand shot between Sittler’s pads to cut the deficit in half late in the period.
Unable to even the score in the final period, the ‘Tips then found themselves down 3-1 when Joe Hicketts blasted a slapshot inside the far post over Carter Hart’s shoulder from the left circle with six minutes to play. Jayden Sittler (1-2-0-0) stopped 24 shots for his first win of the season. Everett’s penalty killing was strong with a 4-for-4 effort, while the powerplay finished 0 for 2.
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The Silvertips will now return to the mainland to meet the rival Seattle Thunderbirds Saturday night in Kent. Opening faceoff is set for 7:05 pm, with pregame radio coverage starting at 6:30 on Fox Sports 1380. The ‘Tips are back on home ice for three games during the Thanksgiving week, Wednesday against Kamloops, Friday vs. Seattle and Sunday against Kootenay.
For more information call 425-252-5100, “like” the Everett Silvertips Hockey Club on Facebook or follow @WHLSilvertips on Twitter.
