EVERETT – The Everett Silvertips never trailed and nearly became the first team to beat the Kamloops Blazers in regulation this season, but ultimately fell 3-2 in a shootout Tuesday night at Comcast Arena. The ‘Tips held two separate leads in the contest before Kamloops came back to tie and eventually win it in the shootout, forcing Everett to settle for one point in the standings.
Ryan Harrison posted his 200th career point with a first period goal, which was followed later by Carson Stadnyk’s first career goal in the third. Ryan Murray also extended his point streak to six games with another assist. The Silvertips turned in a solid penalty killing effort, holding the Blazers’ top-ranked powerplay scoreless on four chances.
Only one goal was scored during the first two periods of what was a tight game throughout. That goal came courtesy of Ryan Harrison on a 5-on-3 Everett powerplay in the opening frame. Ryan Murray entered the Kamloops zone on the play and sent a cross-ice pass to Kohl Bauml, who quickly dropped the puck to back Ryan Harrison for a one-timer over the shoulder of Cole Cheveldave at 9:12.
The ‘Tips maintained that 1-0 lead throughout the rest of the first period and all of the second. The teams combined for just 30 total shots in the first 40 minutes, with the Blazers outshooting the Silvertips by a narrow 16-14 margin going into the third.
The Blazers finally ended Austin Lotz’ shutout bid and tied the game midway through the third period. Off a Kamloops faceoff win in the Everett zone, JC Lipon picked up the rebound of his initial blocked shot and fired a second shot past Lotz to even the score at one. The ‘Tips grabbed the lead for a second time just over one minute later as Ty Mappin brought the puck in along the boards and fed a pass in front to Carson Stadnyk, who one-timed a shot into the top corner for his first career goal. The Blazers tied it again with just over five minutes left as Chase Souto’s blind backhand shot snuck behind Lotz to make it 2-2.
Following the remainder of the third and overtime, the teams were scoreless through two shootout rounds before Colin Smith grabbed the only goal of the shootout in round three. Cheveldave then stopped Ryan Harrison to end the game and earn the win after making 20 saves. Austin Lotz turned away 26 shots for the ‘Tips as Everett was outshot 29-22 in total.
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The Silvertips will play their next four games on the road against U.S. Division opponents, starting with a Halloween showdown with the Portland Winterhawks Wednesday at 7:00 pm. Pregame radio coverage starts at 6:30 on Fox Sports 1380 AM. Everett will then visit Tri-City on Friday and Spokane twice before returning home to face the Red Deer Rebels next Wednesday 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.
