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Everett Silvertips

Kozun Helps T-Birds Hold off 'Tips in Game 1

March 23, 2014 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Everett Silvertips News Release


KENT - The Everett Silvertips outshot Seattle 26-10 over the last two periods Saturday night, but were unable to overcome an early two-goal deficit in a 2-1 loss to the Thunderbirds in Game 1 of their Western Conference playoff series at the ShoWare Center. The Silvertips now trail the best-of-seven series 1-0 heading into Game 2 Sunday afternoon at 4:05 pm at Comcast Arena.

All three goals in the game came on the powerplay, with Seattle scoring twice in the first before Patrick Bajkov netted a 5-on-3 goal early in the second period to bring Everett back within 2-1. The 'Tips couldn't beat Taran Kozun (38 saves) on their other five powerplays however, finishing the night with a 39-22 shot advantage but only one goal to show for it. The Thunderbirds scored twice on four powerplay opportunities.

Everett took a penalty less than a minute into the game to put Seattle on an early powerplay, which they used to take a 1-0 lead when Russell Maxwell banged in a rebound beside Austin Lotz at 2:27. Jujhar Khaira was whistled for goaltender interference after going hard to the net later in the period, resulting in another man-advantage goal as Shea Theodore wristed a low shot inside the left post from the blue line. The 'Tips outshot the T-Birds 13-12 in the period and generated a few good opportunities, with Ivan Nikolishin hitting the post with one shot and being robbed by Kozun's glove save on another.

The Silvertips drew a two-man advantage early in the second period and quickly got back within a goal when Bajkov one-timed a Josh Winquist pass into the net from the left circle to make it 2-1. The 'Tips controlled play as the period went along, allowing only one Seattle shot through the first 10 minutes and four total shots in the middle frame. Everett peppered goaltender Taran Kozun at the other end, sending 19 shots on goal, but could not even the score despite a 32-16 shot edge heading into the third.

Kozun made another strong glove save on Zane Jones in the third period and the Silvertips were unable to capitalize on their lone powerplay chance of the last 20 minutes as Seattle maintained the one-goal edge. Time expired with the Silvertips down a goal despite leading 39-22 on the shot clock. Austin Lotz (0-1) made 20 saves in goal for the Silvertips, while Taran Kozun (1-0) stopped 38 in the Seattle net.

Game 2 of the series is coming up Sunday afternoon at Comcast Arena in downtown Everett as the Silvertips look to even the series at one game apiece. The opening puck drop is set for 4:05 pm, so get your tickets and be a part of the "Sea of Green" at Comcast Arena for Everett's first home playoff game of 2014.

Single game playoff tickets are on sale online at online, by phone at (866) 332-8499 or at the Comcast Arena box office. Visit www.EverettSilvertips.com or call 425-252-5100 for more information. To keep up with all the latest team news, "like" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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Western Hockey League Stories from March 23, 2014


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