Silvertips Knock off Giants, Clinch Home Ice
VANCOUVER, BC – Cole MacDonald scored one goal and assisted on another in the third period to help the Everett Silvertips break a 1-1 tie on their way to a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Giants Saturday night at Pacific Coliseum. In addition to giving the Silvertips a 5-1 season series win over Vancouver, the victory also clinches home-ice advantage in the first round of the WHL playoffs for Everett.
MacDonald’s tenth goal of the year early in the third proved to be the game-winner, shortly before he set up Matt Fonteyne’s insurance goal for the ‘Tips. Remi Laurencelle also scored for the second straight game to reach 20 goals for the first time in his career, while Vancouver-area native Jordan Wharrie contributed his second career assist.
The Silvertips started strong and built an early edge on the shot clock, but were unable to capitalize on a powerplay chance to take the lead. Vancouver then grabbed the game’s first goal off a neutral zone turnover by the ‘Tips, with Tyler Benson scooping a loose puck at center and racing into the Everett zone before picking the top corner over Carter Hart’s left shoulder to make it 1-0 Giants. Vancouver ended up outshooting Everett 11-9 over the first 20 minutes.
Everett quickly tied things up in the second period as Jordan Wharrie’s point shot deflected off a defender and across the goal crease just before Remi Laurencelle slammed home his 20th goal of the season at 1:39. The rest of the period would feature few whistles and plenty of back-and-forth play, with the ‘Tips outshooting the Giants by a 14-6 margin to take a 23-17 edge overall. The 1-1 tie would remain however as the teams headed to the third period.
With a Vancouver penalty giving the ‘Tips an early third-period powerplay, Cole MacDonald scored on a wrist shot through traffic from the point to put Everett ahead for the first time at 2-1. The Silvertips extended the lead minutes later as MacDonald’s shot from the left circle was kicked out by Vancouver goaltender Payton Lee before Matt Fonteyne fired home the rebound at 6:21. The Giants would outshoot the ‘Tips 9-7 in the third, but were unable to beat Carter Hart again as Everett finished off the 3-1 win.
Hart (16-4-2-1) stopped 25 shots to earn his fourth straight victory for the ‘Tips, who finished with a 30-26 shot advantage. Payton Lee (14-23) made 27 saves in defeat for Vancouver. The Silvertips went 1 for 4 on the powerplay and killed off the Giants’ only opportunity.
CLICK HERE for Box Score
The Silvertips return home Wednesday night for a pivotal U.S. Division matchup against the Portland Winterhawks at 7:05 pm at XFINITY Arena. After a road game against Seattle Friday in Kent, the ‘Tips are back on home ice to host the rival Thunderbirds for the final time in the regular season Saturday at 7:05.
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.
