Crowley, Dane

Everett Silvertips defenseman Dane Crowley was not taken by the Edmonton Oil Kings in Tuesday's WHL expansion draft. The Everett Daily Herald had speculated early Tuesday that Crowley may be left unprotected. Tips General Manager Doug Soetaert was debating over whether to protect his potential professionals - Phoenix first rounder Peter Mueller and Crowley. Mueller, who signed an NHL contract last fall, can only play in the NHL with Phoenix or in the WHL - so he was to be protected. The paper considered Crowley an "even-odds bet to play professionally" next year. At 20 years of age, Crowley can play in the minor leagues.

Here's what we learned this week in communication with the Lightning:

2006 first round draft pick Riku Helenius made a successful return from major shoulder surgery when he suited up for Finland at an Under-19 tournament in St. Petersburg, Russia last month. The Lightning was in attendance when the goaltender played his first game since early autumn, but Finland was on their heels all night and Russia scored two power play goals to beat Helenius and Finland 4-0. Finland didn't fare much better in Helenius' second game, a 5-1 loss to Sweden.

While the GAA may not look ideal for the first rounder, the Lightning said he played well. The important thing to look at here is he's playing again and is in good health. In fact, after missing nearly all the 2006-2007 season, a healthy Helenius is now working out twice a day.

Everett 2 @ Prince George 8
Prince George wins best-of-7 series 4-2

The Everett Silvertips entered the 2007 WHL Playoffs with the league's best record, its top seed, and the top ranking in the entire Canadian Hockey League. In fact, Everett was ranked No.1 in the CHL 14 of the last 15 weeks of the season. They entered Game 3 of their Western Conference Semifinals series with Prince George with a 2 games to 0 lead on the Cougars, seemingly coasting to the WHL Conference Finals.

Prince George 4 @ Everett 3
Prince George leads best-of-7 series 3-2

The Prince George Cougars scored four third period goals Saturday night to erase a 3-0 deficit and put the highly-favored and top-seeded Everett Silvertips on the brink of elimination. The game winner for Prince George came near the 12 minute mark of the third on a power play goal by Colorado Avalanche draft pick Chris Durand. Everett outshot the visiting Cougars 39-23 for the game, including 21-4 in the second period. Real Cyr (undrafted) came up big in net for the Cougars, earning third star honors. Vladimir Mihalik, who injured his ankle blocking a shot in Game 4, had an even rating with an assist and minor penalty for Prince George. Dane Crowley was scoreless and had an even rating for the Silvertips. Game 6 shifts to Prince George on Monday night.

Everett 3 @ Prince George 4 (Overtime)
Best-of-7 series tied 2-2

The Prince George Cougars got an overtime goal from Nicolas Drazenovic (St. Louis Blues) to beat the top-seeded Everett Silvertips 4-3 and tie their series at 2. Down 2 games to 0 heading back to Prince George, the Cougars won both home games and not the series goes back to Everett for Game 5 on Saturday. Both Vladimir Mihalik (Prince George) and Dane Crowley (Everett) were scoreless and minus-1. Crowley had a minor penalty for tripping in the third period.