RECAP: Hawks’ third-period push falls just short against Moose Jaw

Three goals in the third period highlighted a valiant Portland comeback bid, but the Hawks fell just short in a 4-3 loss to the Moose Jaw Warriors.

Game #57: Portland (3) vs. Moose Jaw (4)

SOG: POR (30) – MJ (26)

PP: POR (0/1) – MJ (0/2)

Saves: Špunar (22/25) – Unger (27/30)

COMPLETE BOX SCORE

SCORING:

• MJ – First Period – 13:28 – Matthew Savoie (22) from Lynden Lakovic and Atley Calvert
• MJ – Third Period – 2:52 – Denton Mateychuk (15) from Matthew Savoie and Atley Calvert
• POR – Third Period – 8:04 – Jack O’Brien (19) from Ryder Thompson and Marek Alscher
• MJ – Third Period – 10:54 – Matthew Savoie (23) from Atley Calvert
• POR – Third Period – 12:08 – Nate Danielson (19) from Gabe Klassen
• MJ – Third Period – 17:38 – Jagger Firkus (46) from Martin Rysavy *EN
• POR – Third Period – 17:56 – Gabe Klassen (33) from Nate Danielson and Luca Cagnoni

The Story:
A phenomenal third-period push saw the Winterhawks score three goals in 12 minutes to keep pace in a back-and-forth tilt, but the Moose Jaw Warriors held on for a 4-3 win at the VMC on Wednesday.

Portland’s record now stands at 39-15-2-1 on the year (81pts, 1st U.S. Division).

Warriors defenseman Denton Mateychuk made it 2-0 for the visitors 2:52 into the third, but Portland mounted its charge from there. Jack O’Brien responded at 8:04 with a laser from the right circle for his 19th of the season. When Matthew Savoie restored Moose Jaw’s two-goal lead at 10:54 with his second goal of the game, Nate Danielson brought the Hawks right back in it with a deflection at 12:08 for his 200th WHL point.

With Jan Špunar pulled for the extra attacker, Moose Jaw’s Jagger Firkus potted an empty-net goal with just over two minutes remaining. Despite the deficit, the Winterhawks continued to fight and Gabe Klassen made it a 4-3 game with a bullet from the slot just 22 seconds after Firkus’ goal, but the clock ultimately ran out on the comeback bid.

Moose Jaw’s Savoie scored his first of two goals 8:04 into the contest to put the visitors ahead in a fast-paced, tight-checking affair. Neither team found twine in that or the next period, setting the stage for a 1-0 score heading into the third.

Warriors goaltender Jackson Unger finished with 27 saves on 30 shots in a strong performance, while Špunar again put in a solid shift of his own with 22 saves on 25 shots

The homestand rolls on as the Winterhawks host the Regina Pats for Art Night on Friday at 7:00, then the Victoria Royals on Saturday at 6:00.

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