Chiefs Tie with Extra Attacker, Win in Overtime at Portland
Portland, Ore. — The Spokane Chiefs rallied late to complete a thrilling comeback, winning 4-3 in overtime at Portland on Friday night. Jack Finley led the way with the game-tying and game-winning goals as Spokane earned their first overtime win of the season.
The Chiefs got on the board first as Las Vegas native Erik Atchison punched in a rebound of a Connor Gabruch shot to earn a 1-0 advantage just 1:27 into regulation.
The Winterhawks responded midway through the period as import defenseman Jonas Brondberg backhanded his second goal of the season past goaltender Lukas Parik.
The Chiefs regained the lead with under three minutes to go in the opening frame as Eli Zummack deflected a Jordan Chudley shot to make it 2-1. The assist marked the first point as a Chief for Chudley, who was acquired from Kootenay/Winnipeg during the offseason.
Following the break, Portland came out buzzing in the second period, outshooting the Chiefs 19-7 and scoring two goals to take a 3-2 lead. Kishaun Gervais scored the first of his young career before Lane Gilliss chipped in a power play goal late. [related_links]
Neither team was able to generate much offense for the majority of the third period as Parik and Portland goalie Joel Hofer each stood tall, but Finley finally broke through with just 1:17 left in regulation and the extra attacker on, muscling a third-chance rebound past Hofer to tie the game up at three apiece.
It was Finley to strike again in the overtime frame as Eli Zummack weaved through the defense to create space before whipping a centering pass from right to left. Finley, who is projected to be an early-round pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, was ready to fire home his second of the night and give Spokane the win.
⚠️ OT WINNER ALERT ⚠️
Finley with his 2nd of the night off a beauty of a feed from Zummack. Victory!
???? @26jfinley (5)
???? @Eli_Zummack
???? @kralf1⏰ 4:05 (OT)
???? SPO 4 – POR 3#GoChiefsGo pic.twitter.com/tvMkXAvBdE— Spokane Chiefs (@spokanechiefs) November 16, 2019
Parik was outstanding for Spokane in net, turning aside 36 Portland shots. Portland outshot the Chiefs 39-26 overall. Spokane finished 0-for-3 on the power play and 2-for-3 on the penalty kill.
The win pushes Spokane’s record to 9-7-2-0. They are now 9-0 when scoring four or more goals in a game.
Notes: Spokane’s Ty Smith and Adam Beckman were both scratched from the lineup on Friday night after competing in the 2019 CIBC Canada-Russia Series on Wednesday and Thursday.
—
The Chiefs continue their road trip at Tri-City on Saturday night. The puck will drop at 7:05 p.m. with Mike Boyle on the radio call on 103.5 FM The Game, beginning with the pre-game show at 6:30.
Spokane’s next home game is Wednesday, Nov. 20 versus Saskatoon. It will be TicketsWest Player Magnet Giveaway Night with the first 1,000 fans through the gates receiving a refrigerator magnet featuring a Chiefs player.
Tickets for Nov. 20 and all Chiefs home games are available online, over the phone at 509-535-PUCK or in-person at the Chiefs’ Ticket Office at Spokane Arena.
