NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



 Tri-City Americans

Americans Topple Giants; Extend Lead in U.S. Division

November 30, 2008 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Tri-City Americans News Release


KENNEWICK, WA - There is a paradox that exists in the realm of physics that states when an irresistible force meets an immoveable object, the two cannot co-exist and something must give. That paradox was put to the test Saturday night at Toyota Center.

When the Western Conference's best road team rolled into Kennewick to take on the conference's top home team, someone had to win and someone had to lose, but just who that was perfect fodder for the fans entering Saturday's Giants/Americans match-up.

In the end, backed by goals from five different skaters and Chet Pickard's 29-save performance, the Tri-City Americans (19-7-0-2, 40 pts) knocked off the Vancouver Giants (21-2-0-3, 45 pts) 5-3 in front of 4,252 fans. It was the Americans' fifth straight win as they improved their record at home to 12-1. Tri-City also handed the Giants just their second loss in regulation this season. Tri-City also capitalized on the Chiefs' 4-2 loss to Kamloops, in Spokane, stretching their lead to five points in the U.S. Division. Meanwhile, the Giants saw their seven-game winning streak come to an end.

In his past three starts at Toyota Center, Vancouver goalie Tyson Sexsmith has been roughed up, despite his lofty goals against average, and the trend continued on Saturday night. Late into the first period, Jason Reese registered his 16th goal of the season, putting the Americans on top 1-0. Then, with less than three seconds remaining in the first period, Mitch Fadden beat Sexsmith for his fifth goal in his last four games, while putting Tri-City on top 2-0 headed into the first break. Sexsmith, who has allowed 3+ goals in his last four starts at Toyota Center, finished with 26 saves.

The Americans never let-up in the second period, as they out chanced the Giants 16 to 7 in the period. At the 6:06 mark of the second period, Kruise Reddick picked up his fourth goal in as many games, stretching Tri-City's lead to 3-0. With 1:01 remaining in the period, Adam Basford responded for the Giants. However, just 38 seconds later, Tri-City regained their three-goal lead after Jarrett Toll's slap shot beat Sexsmith, giving the Americans a 4-1 lead after 40 minutes of play.

The defending B.C. Division champions wouldn't give up that easily and came out hard and aggressive to start the final period of play. Just 1:46 into the third period, the Giants were rewarded, as Jonathon Blum connected for the 13th time this season and pulled Vancouver to within two. However, with 4:15 remaining in regulation, Johnny Lazo put the Americans back on top by 3 and sending the Tri-City faithful home with free burgers from Burger Ranch for the second straight night.

WHL-leading scorer Casey Pierro-Zabotel recorded a late goal for the Giants, but they would get no closer. Tri-City went 0-for-1 on the power play and was a perfect 4-for-4 on the penalty kill.

Despite huge victories over some of the League's best during their season-high five-game winning streak, the road does not get any easier for the Americans over the next week. First up for Tri-City is a match-up with the always dangerous Kootenay Ice, who will make their lone Toyota Center appearance on Wednesday, December 3. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The Americans are 2-2 in their last four home games against the Ice and are 3-7 in their previous 10 meetings with Kootenay. Tri-City trails in the all-time series with the Ice, going 11-19-0-0 with 3 ties. Tickets are available through all Ticketmaster outlets, including the Toyota Center box office, all Fred Meyer outlets, or online at ticketmaster.com. Those unable to make it to the game can catch all the action live on NewsTalk 870 AM, starting with the Sterling Savings Bank Warm-up Show at 6:45 p.m.

Notes:

When Tri-City coach Don Nachbaur and Vancouver coach Don Hay met on Saturday night, it is believed to be the first time in 19 seasons that two 400+ win coaches have met during the regular season. It's thought that the last two coaches to have done it was Portland's Ken Hodge and Brandon's Doug Sauter back in the 1989-90 season.


• Discuss this story on the Western Hockey League message board...

Western Hockey League Stories from November 30, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central