Thanks, Becanic, for 10 Minutes of Hockey

The Tips gave up a chance for a win earlier this evening against the (hated) Prince Albert Pirates. (Notice that every team without the word "Everett" or "Silvertips" in its name is hated).

What was most disappointing about this game was that we should have won it. Sure, the Tips had some players out (Beach, Ellington, etc.) but still had a solid core in the lineup. We missed some key shots just wide and gave up a terrible second goal thanks to the lackluster defense of one Graham Cracker Poteur.

But I think the problem is that we didn't play really tough, inspired hockey until the third period. In the 3rd, there was a stretch where the Tips absolutely dominated. It was like seasons of old where we controlled the puck, finished checks, and peppered the goaltender. The fans got into it, the Pirates were on their heels...but we couldn't convert.

I could live with that if we played 60 minutes of that kind of hockey (even craptacular goalies like the Pirate's Butler are going to steal a game now and then), but we didn't play that way but for brief stretches. I know, I know...it's the story of this season.

Three Stars
3) Matt Ius - Hell of a player and making some great plays tonight after hustling for the puck.
2) Dane Crowley - He's back! After a pretty bad stretch, we saw the Dane of old tonight...punishing checks, puck control, and leadership.
1) Dan Gendur - WHL Player of the Month...absolutely. Another stellar game where he made things happen and, of course, scored the Tips lone goal.

MIA
Zach Hamill - When is he going to step up? He was close tonight...an extra move that cost him the puck, a chance to pass that he didn't take, and some other seemingly minor decisions on the ice once again made him a non-factor. Hamill MUST be productive for us to win, especially with players like Beach and Karamnov out with injuries.