The Everett Silvertips edged the Prince Albert Raiders in a chaotic Game 4 of the Western Hockey League final on Wednesday night, taking a commanding 3-1 series lead. The game, played in Everett, Washington, was marked by physical play and momentum swings, but the Silvertips managed to secure a crucial victory on home ice.
Game Recap
The Silvertips jumped out to an early lead, scoring two goals in the first period. The Raiders responded with a goal late in the second period to cut the deficit to one, but Everett added an insurance goal in the third period to seal the win. The Raiders pushed hard in the final minutes, pulling their goaltender for an extra attacker, but the Silvertips' defense held firm.
Key Moments
- Everett's first goal came on a power play at 8:32 of the first period, with forward Jackson Berezowski tipping a point shot past Raiders goaltender Max Hildebrand.
- The Silvertips doubled their lead at 15:47 of the first period when defenceman Oasiz Wiesblatt fired a wrist shot from the slot.
- Prince Albert's lone goal came from forward Aiden Oiring, who deflected a shot from the point past Silvertips netminder Jesse Sanche at 14:22 of the second period.
- Everett's insurance goal was scored by forward Caine Wilkie, who capitalized on a rebound at 8:11 of the third period.
Series Outlook
The Silvertips now hold a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series and can clinch the WHL championship with a win in Game 5, scheduled for Friday night in Everett. The Raiders, meanwhile, face elimination and will need to win three straight games to capture the title.
Game 4 was a physical affair, with both teams combining for 56 penalty minutes. The Raiders were assessed 30 minutes in penalties, including a major penalty for boarding that led to a Silvertips power-play goal.
What They're Saying
Silvertips head coach Dennis Williams praised his team's resilience: "We knew they would come out hard, but our guys stuck to the game plan and executed when it mattered most. We have a chance to close it out at home, and that's all you can ask for."
Raiders head coach Jeff Truitt acknowledged the challenge ahead: "We've been in tough spots before, but we have to find a way to win one game at a time. We'll go back to work and be ready for Friday."
Looking Ahead
Game 5 is set for Friday, May 15, at 7:00 PM PT in Everett. If necessary, Game 6 would be played in Prince Albert on Sunday, May 17, and Game 7 would be back in Everett on Tuesday, May 19.
