The Everett Silverips are in town. They haven’t been here since Dec. 3, and the Americans haven’t played the Tips since Jan. 7 at Everett.
The Americans, who dipped to second in the U.S. Division standings for the first time since any of us can remember, have earned a playoff spot, while Everett is fighting for eighth place, and is one point behind Seattle and Victoria.
Portland took over the top spot in the U.S. Division with its 7-2 win over Prince George on Monday. The two are back at it tonight.
In the end, Tri-City has a game in hand on Portland, and will make up that game Saturday at Spokane.
Tri-City’s Brendan Shinnimin has piled up 12 goals and 22 points on his current nine-game point streak. He is third in league scoring with 96 points, behind Mark Stone of Brandon (102) and Ty Rattie of Portland (100).
With four points, Shinnimin would become the team’s first 100-point scorer in 10 years — Eric Johansson had 103 points during the 2001-02 season.
Also in line for 100 points are Adam Hughesman (89 points) and Patrick Holland (80 points). Including tonight, they have 14 games to reach the century mark.
Brian Sakic holds the franchise record for points in a season with 162 (1990-91), which included 122 assists.
Tonight, Ty Rimmer is in goal for the Americans, with Justin Hamonic, Tyson Dallman, Mason Wilgosh and Jesse Mychan on the scratch list. Wilgosh's X-ray on Monday was good and he's taken a few laps around the rink on his skates. Return date still is unknown.
Kent Simpson is in net for Everett, which has just 19 guys suited up. Manraj Hayer (upper body), J.T. Barnett (lower body), Zach McPhee (upper body), Evan Morden (lower body) are injured, while Brendan Yadlowski is serving another game of his 10-game suspension.
Brett Connolly watch: Counting today, there are 7 days left until the Americans will know if Connolly is coming their way. They could know tomorrow or the 27th. Tonight, Tampa Bay is playing Anaheim. Connolly played 9 shifts over 6:10, with 2 PIMs and one lost faceoff.
Puck drops in 5.
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The Ams hold a 1-0 lead after the first period with a goal by Brian Williams.
At the mid-period break, Tri_City had a 2-0 shot advantage. It was a slow start, but things are starting to pick up.
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Wow, did thing ever get going.
Brendan Shinnimin had three goals and three assists to eclipse the 100-point mark, and the Americans won 7-2.
Patrick Holland had a goal and three assists and Adam Hughesman added two goals and an assist as the Americans picked up their third consecutive win.
Everett is back here Friday.
