Silvertips Win Playoff Series
Published on April 1, 2007 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Everett Silvertips News Release
Spokane, Wash. - The Everett Silvertips defeated the Spokane Chiefs 4-1 on Sunday night, April 1st, in game six of their first round playoff series. Peter Mueller contributed a goal and an assist, Kyle Beach scored the game winner, and Leland Irving played huge in goal for the 'Tips. With the victory, Everett wins the first round playoff series over Spokane 4-2.
The Silvertips opened up the scoring in the first period as result of an individual effort through the neutral zone by Mueller. Jordan Mistelbacher passed the puck to Mueller who had two Spokane defenders in front him. He made his way around them by putting the puck between the pair of Chiefs while he wrapped around the outside. Mueller then picked up the puck once he got to the other side and made his way into the attacking zone where he fired a shot that beat Spokane goaltender Dustin Tokarski at 7:32.
The Chiefs quickly responded and tied the game at the 9:13 mark by way of a Drayson Bowman power play goal. However, Everett made it 2-1 just seconds prior to the horn sounding. On the team's fourth power play, Jason Fransoo put a shot on net from high in the Spokane zone. The puck found its way through Tokarski and Beach was able to get his stick behind the goalie for the tap in at 19:56. Mueller contributed the secondary assist.
The story of the scoreless second period was goaltending. First, Irving had to be strong between the pipes through the first handful of minutes as Spokane began to apply pressure. Later in the period it was Tokarski at the other end of the ice having to do the same. Everett had four power plays during the 20-minutes, but Tokarski held them at bay with several big saves including a series of stops over the course of a lengthy 5-on-3 in the 'Tips favor.
It wouldn't be until late in the third period that the game was decided. Spokane pulled Tokarski in exchange for an extra attacker after Irving thwarted several Spokane scoring chances throughout the period. Shortly after Tokarski's exit, Zach Dailey scored into the empty net at 18:37 with the primary and secondary assists going to Moises Gutierrez and Graham Potuer respectively. The Chiefs would attempt the tactic one more time with Brennan Sonne completing the series scoring with an unassisted empty netter of his own.
The Silvertips will now be off until this Friday night, April 6th, when they begin the second round. The Prince George Cougars will be the next opponents for the 'Tips as the playoffs now begin the possibility of interdivisional match-ups within the conference. Game one is scheduled to get underway at 7:35 p.m. inside of the Everett Events Center. Game two will be the following night, April 7th, also at the EEC with the opening face-off scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
Western Hockey League Stories from April 1, 2007
- Chiefs season ends with 4-1 loss to Everett in game six - Spokane Chiefs
- Silvertips Win Playoff Series - Everett Silvertips
- Giants Weekly Recap - Vancouver Giants
- Game Seven or Game One and Two Tickets available Monday morning - Everett Silvertips
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.
