WHL Tri-City Americans

Stewart, Chiefs Force Game 7 with 4-3 OT Win Over Americans

Published on April 17, 2012 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Tri-City Americans News Release


SPOKANE, WA - As the series between Tri-City and Spokane dragged on, it became perfectly clear that only one ending would do it justice. And with a flick of his wrist, Liam Stewart ensured everyone will get to see it.

Stewart scored the game-winner midway through overtime, lifting the Spokane Chiefs (7-5-0, 14 pts) to a 4-3 win over the Tri-City Americans (7-0-3, 14 pts) in Game 6 of their conference semi-finals series in front of 4,927 fans at Veterans Memorial Arena. The win evened the best-of-7 series at 3-games apiece, forcing a winner-take-all Game 7 on Wednesday, April 18 at the Toyota Center. The winner of that game will advance to the 2012 Western Conference Finals, where they will face-off against the winner from the Portland/Kamloops series, which is also headed to a Game 7.

For playing a clinching game on the road, the Americans got off to a good start by taking an early 1-0 lead. Less than three minutes into the contest, Derek Ryckman followed up on Patrick Holland's rebound, knocking back his second goal of the series.

But, two quick goals less than a minute apart, gave the Chiefs a 2-1 advantage headed into the first intermission. First, at 5:35 of the 1st period and on the power play, Dominik Uher scored his third goal in as many games as he beat Ty Rimmer under his stick. Then, 53 seconds later, Justin Hamonic lost an edge bringing the puck out of the Americans' zone, allowing a 2-on-1 Chiefs' breakaway. Mike Aviani then fired a shot that was tipped in front by Mitch Holmberg, giving him his 10th goal this post-season.

Still trailing as the game neared the halfway point, the Americans got a spark from Justin Feser. While killing off a Brendan Shinnimin penalty, Mason Wilgosh was able to break free and get a big shot off on Eric Williams. Unable to control the rebound in the slot, Feser pounced on the loose puck, making a quick move before beating Williams at the near post.

The tie was short-lived, however, as on that same power play opportunity, the Chiefs connected to regain the lead. Parked in front of Rimmer, Steven Kuhn deflected Tanner Mort's shot from the point for his third goal in the last four games.

But, with less than two minutes to play in the 2nd period, and playing 4-aside, Holland took advantage of Reid Gow's stumble by slipping a shot between Williams' pads, knotting the game at 3 after 40 minutes.

Despite a solid 3rd period by both squads, Rimmer and Williams were better, ensuring that a third game in this series would be decided in overtime. Once in the extra session, Tri-City generated plenty of pressure on Williams, which included a game-extending glove save on Feser just over six minutes into the extra session. Three minutes later, and from the left circle, though, Stewart saved the Chiefs' season by swatting a shot over Rimmer's glove.

Rimmer, who has yet to lose a game in regulation this post-season, stopped 20 shots in the loss. Meanwhile, Williams turned aside 27 of the 30 shots he faced to pick-up his 7th win. Tri-City finished the night 0-for-3 on the power play, while Spokane went 2-of-4 on the man-advantage.

Tickets for Wednesday's showdown are on sale now through all Ticketmaster outlets, including online at ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets will then be available at the Toyota Center box office stating Tuesday morning at 9:00 a.m. The game will be broadcast live on My Network cable channel 280 and over-the-air digital on 42.2/35.2, starting at 7:00 p.m. The game will also be aired live on NewsTalk 870 AM, starting with the Sterling Bank Warm-up Show at 6:45 p.m.

Notes:

Spokane is now 4-0 in overtime this post-season; Tri-City is 1-3...Six of the last 8 playoff games between Tri-City and Spokane have been decided in overtime...Of the 6 times the Chiefs and Americans have met in the post-season, this will be the 3rd series to have needed all 7 games to determine a winner. Each club has won a Game 7, with Tri-City taking Game 7 in 1995, while Spokane won the 2008 series 4 games to 3.

Applebee's 3 Stars:

1, Liam Stewart, Spokane

2, Eric Williams, Spokane

3, Ty Rimmer, Tri-City

Check out the Tri-City Americans Statistics

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Western Hockey League Stories from April 17, 2012


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