EVERETT — The Everett Silvertips played their second strong game in as many nights on Saturday, controlling much of the territorial play in a 3-1 win over the Portland Winterhawks that gives Everett a 2-0 lead in the best-of-7 Western Hockey League playoff series.
After an early power-play tally for Portland, Everett scored twice in the first period and played smart positional hockey the rest of the way to win in front of 3,621 at Xfinity Arena.
Games 3 and 4 are Tuesday and Wednesday at the Moda Center in Portland.
The Winterhawks struck early on Saturday as Rihards Bukarts beat Everett goalie Mario Petit for a power-play goal 2:09 into the game.
But the lead did not last long as Brandon Ralph scored his second goal of the series at 4:22 of the first period. Matt Fonteyne’s power-play goal put the Silvertips up 2-1 12:40 into the first period.
For the second time in as many games, Everett dominated the second period and outshot Portland 16-7. Remi Laurencelle made it 3-1 Everett at 7:14 of the period.
The Winterhawks did have several quality chances in the third period.
An Even Weinger shot got behind Everett goalie Mario Petit but was swept away as Portland’s Colton Veloso crashed the net. Moments later Dominic Turgeon had an open net for a rebound chance from an Alex Schoenborn shot but the puck trickled off the end of Turgeon’s blade and went just wide.
The Winterhawks also had good possession and pressure during a power play early in the third period but was unable to convert. Petit, playing his second career playoff game in relief of injured Carter Hart, made 24 saves on Saturday and has stopped 52 of 53 shots through two games.
His teammates have helped him by winning puck battles, forechecking efficiently, and playing in the Winterhawks zone for extended stretches of the first two games.
Portland goalie Adin Hill finished with 34 saves. Portland finished 1 for 4 on the power-play. Everett was 1 for 5, though two of those came with less than two seconds remaining in the third period.
