CHIEFS

The playoffs open tonight (7:30; 790-AM) in Everett, and the Chiefs say they have no fear of the Silvertips.

OK. Yes, Spokane was 4-4 against the winners of the U.S. Division, with Everett's goal difference in those eight games (plus four) all coming in the final contest, a 6-2 Tip win. And yes, no one else in the WHL played Everett any tougher.

But a team that scored a WHL-best 111 points deserves respect. You don't have to fear them, but keep your mouth shut. Talk them up, make them think you're a little intimidated, let them sleep. That way they'll be back on their heels instead of coming out ready to play. And, when you smash them around a little early, they won’t be as quick to respond.

By saying things like "… we're ready to play them and we're thrilled to be playing them in the first round," as David Rutherford did, just reeks of no respect. That kind of stuff can backfire.

• The series is previewed by the Everett Herald in this match-ups piece.

Everett also has a story on the Tips' goalie, Leland Irving, along with a story about two players making the All-WHL team (the Tri-City Herald lists the entire teams; there are no Chiefs) and this quick look at all the playoff series.

• The Times has a feature on Everett's Zach Hamill and a story on the Thunderbirds, who play Tri-City in the first round.

---

---