Americans Shut Down Thunderbirds 4-0 on Nuclear Night
Kennewick, WA- The Tri-City Americans (23-22-0-2, 48 pts) put on a show for the 4,087 fans in attendance on Friday night, taking down the Seattle Thunderbirds (22-18-2-3, 49 pts) 4-0 in the 6th annual Nuclear Night game.
Both teams came out fast and physical trying to get on the board first. Tri-City scored midway through the first period, as Richard Nejezchleb controlled the puck well in the offensive zone and found Beau McCue in the slot, one-timing a shot into the net for a 1-0 lead. The Americans had a 7-2 shot advantage in the first and carried some momentum into the second.
The Americans continued to play well in the second period, and got rewarded midway through the period. Nejezchleb had another nice assist, feeding the puck to Parker Bowles at the side of the net on the power play, which Bowles buried to increase the lead to 2-0. Tri-City capitalized on another power play opportunity, as Bowles fired a wrist shot past Taran Kozun to make it 3-0 going into the third period.
Seattle came out in the third looking to get on the board and get some momentum going its way. But the Americans were too good tonight, as the game was capped off with a late empty net goal by Lucas Nickles to seal the victory.
Evan Sarthou recorded his third shutout in four games. He is the first goalie to record three shutouts by himself in a week since Carey Price in the 2004-05. Ty Rimmer and Eric Comrie were the last Americans to record three shutouts in a week, with Rimmer recording a shutout followed by two shutouts from Comrie during the 2011-12 season.
The Americans have not lost a game at home in 2015, extending its home win streak to three games. With the win, the Americans are within one point of fourth-place Seattle and two points behind third-place Spokane in the U.S. Division.
Tri-City had 14 penalty minutes and was 2-of-7 on the power play. Seattle spent 26 minutes in the penalty box and was unsuccessful in six chances with a man advantage.
Taran Kozun stopped 20 shots in a losing effort while Sarthou made 25 saves in the win.
The Americans have no time off after tonight, as they are right back in action tomorrow night to take on the Spokane Chiefs (23-18-3-1, 50 pts) at Spokane Arena. Game time is at 7:05 p.m. Tri-City earned a win in the last meeting with Spokane, 7-0, on Jan. 17 at the Toyota Center. Listen to the game on NewsTalk 870 starting at 6:45 p.m., or watch the game through WHL Live or at Kimo’s, your Americans home away from home.
Jack in the Box Three Stars
1. Parker Bowles, Tri-City
2. Evan Sarthou, Tri-City
3. Parker Wotherspoon, Tri-City
WHL Box Score: CLICK HERE
