It is never a fun day in T-Birds history when the Everett Silvertips win a game. With a score so close at 2-1, sometimes it can make you feel even more frustrated. On January 30, that’s just what happened to our Seattle Thunderbirds. And given the fact that the Tips scored their final, game-winning goal during the last 1:50 of the game, it’s understandable why fans threw fits.

There are now seven points that separate the first-place Tips between the second-place Birds, making the rivalry lines thicker than ever. Some fans argue that it doesn’t even matter as long as the T-Birds make it into the playoffs, which is nearly a given at this point, but many still want that coveted number one position.

During the first period, Brandon Ralph of the Silvertips scored the first goal of the evening. The goal was assisted by Devon Skoleski and Lucas Skrumeda. Ryan Gropp of the Birds tied the game up near the end of the first period, making it his 23^rd goal of the season. Jerret Smith and Matthew Barzal had the assists on the play. Although Seattle outshot Everett, they did not remain tied throughout the entire game. And even though the T-Birds had a power play during the third period, they did not make a goal. Instead, the Tips scored the final goal of the evening. Graham Millar made the goal unassisted.

We haven’t had much luck against the first-place team in the last few weeks and fans took to Facebook demanding not only that we beat the Tips next time, but also that certain Silvertips behave better and demonstrate better sportsmanship next time. That said, most agreed that the boys played their best against the Silvertips—indeed, that is likely why a game between the two top teams was so close—and really appreciated the good game. Some fans also argued that Bow is getting too much time in the game and that Flodell not only needs a chance to play, but to also give Bow a reprieve every now and then. Altogether, Bow saved 21 out of 23 shots during the Tips game. His record currently stands at 15-18-4-0.

Do you think Bow could use a bit of a break, and that such a break would help give the Birds a better edge? They did have Flodell at the helm when they were at the number one spot, after all (along with Taz, at the time). Or do you think he’s proving himself as the team’s not so secret, secret weapon?

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia