Silvertips top T-Birds again in OT
EVERETT – Josh Winquist scored both goals – including the overtime game-winner – and Austin Lotz turned in another solid goaltending performance to lift the Everett Silvertips to a 2-1 victory over the Seattle Thunderbirds in front of a crowd of 7,653 fans Saturday night at Comcast Arena. The win was Everett’s second straight 2-1 victory over the Thunderbirds as the ‘Tips took both games in a home-and-home weekend set between the two rivals.
Josh Winquist scored his team leading 13th and 14th goals of the season, the second of which gave the Silvertips the victory in the overtime session. Austin Lotz (7-12-0-1) continued to frustrate Seattle in goal, stopping 34 shots to give him 72 saves on 74 Thunderbirds attempts during the two-game weekend series.
Momentum carried over from last night as both teams had quality scoring chances in an evenly-played first period, but both goaltenders shut the door to keep the game scoreless through 20 minutes. Everett opened the scoring midway through the second period when Manraj Hayer found Josh Winquist with a feed in front, where Winquist snapped a perfect shot under the crossbar to give the ‘Tips a 1-0 lead. The Silvertips successfully killed off three penalties in the second to preserve the lead heading into the final period. Shots were 25-24 in favor of Seattle through 40 minutes.
The Silvertips killed off T-Birds powerplay midway through the third and were less than five minutes away from a win when Seattle tied the game. Connor Sanvido’s shot from the left boards deflected into the slot onto the tape of Seth Swenson, who scored to end the shutout bid for Austin Lotz with 4:33 to go.
Heading into the 4-on-4 overtime session, both teams pushed the tempo to try and earn the win. During a Seattle rush up the ice, Nick Walters blocked a shot and sent a beautiful pass up the middle to spring Winquist on a breakaway. Winquist then faked a shot before sliding a backhander between Brandon Glover’s pads for the win.
Glover (15-14-2-1) also played well, stopping 28 of 30 shots in net as the Thunderbirds outshot the Silvertips 35-30 on the night. Everett was 5 for 5 on the penalty kill while missing on three opportunities of their own.
CLICK HERE for Box Score
CLICK HERE for Game Photos
The Silvertips will now travel overnight to Kelowna to finish a three-in-three weekend Sunday afternoon against the Rockets. Opening faceoff is set for 5:05 pm as the ‘Tips play their final game of 2012 before returning home to host the Spokane Chiefs on Friday, January 4 at Comcast Arena.
Season tickets, mini-game packages and single-game tickets for the Silvertips’ 10th Anniversary season at Comcast Arena are on sale now. For more information 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.
