WHL Everett Silvertips

Rough Second Period Puts Tips Behind in Series

Published on March 28, 2013 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Everett Silvertips News Release


EVERETT - The Everett Silvertips started the game strong and Dawson Leedahl scored his first two playoff goals Wednesday night at Comcast Arena, but the Portland Winterhawks took control with four second-period goals on their way to a 7-3 win in Game 3 of their first-round WHL playoff series. Portland now leads the best-of-seven series 2-1 with the 'Tips looking to rebound on home ice Friday night in Game 4.

Leedahl scored the game's first goal early on and tallied again in the third to pull Everett back within 5-3 with 13 minutes remaining. Winquist netted his team-leading third goal of the series and had an assist, while Ben Betker tallied his first career playoff point and Ayrton Nikkel earned his first point in a Silvertips uniform. Portland did much of its damage on the powerplay, converting three of six opportunities and keeping Everett scoreless on two chances.

The Silvertips started well in the first and opened the scoring on a nice rush as Josh Winquist received a pass from Ayrton Nikkel and backhanded the puck across the goal mouth to Leedahl, who banged in his first goal to give the 'Tips an early lead. Portland tied the game later in the period on the powerplay as Brendan Leipsic found Nic Petan for a one-timer in the far circle just after a shorthanded rush for Everett. The score was tied 1-1 as the teams headed into intermission.

The Winterhawks took the lead on the rush when Leipsic set up Ty Rattie on the back door for Portland's second goal of the night. Nic Petan gave the Winterhawks a 3-1 edge, firing a low shot through traffic for his second goal of the night. Another powerplay goal extended the Hawks lead to three as Troy Rutkowski batted in a rebound midway through the second period. Oliver Bjorkstrand scored Portland's fifth goal of the game in the dying seconds of the frame to give the Hawks a 5-1 lead through 40 minutes.

Everett battled back in the third, narrowing the deficit to 5-2 when Josh Winquist skated into the slot and fired a shot off the post and in for his third goal of the series. Dawson Leedahl scored his second of the game off a feed from Reid Petryk 21 seconds later at 6:46 and suddenly the 'Tips were back within two with plenty of time remaining. With Everett holding all the momentum, Derrick Pouliot's dump-in from center took a bad bounce off Daniel Cotton's glove and rolled into the net to put Portland's advantage back at three. Leipsic then tallied scored the Winterhawks' third powerplay goal of the game minutes later to provide the final 7-3 margin.

The Winterhawks outshot the 'Tips 30-13 in total, with Austin Lotz (1-2) stopping 19 of 24 through two periods before being relieved by Daniel Cotton. Cotton stopped four of six shots in the third. Mac Carruth (2-1) made 10 saves in net for the 'Hawks in his second straight win.

Now trailing the best-of-seven series two games to one, the Silvertips will look to rebound when the series resumes with Game 4 Friday night at Comcast Arena. Opening faceoff is set for 7:35 pm as the 'Tips hope to even the series once again before heading to Portland for Game 5 on Saturday night. If necessary, Game 6 would take place Monday night at Comcast Arena in Everett.

Playoff ticket packages and single-game playoff tickets are on sale now. For more information visit www.everettsilvertips.com or call 425-252-5100. To keep up with all the latest 'Tips news, "like" us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter .

Check out the Everett Silvertips Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Western Hockey League Stories from March 28, 2013


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central