Americans edged by Thunderbirds
January 21, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Tri-City Americans News Release
Five different players scored for the Americans as they snapped a six-game losing streak with a 5-4 victory over the Thunderbirds on Saturday night.
The Thunderbirds opened scoring 1:51 into the game with a goal from Jeremy Hanzel, but the Americans quickly replied at 7:33 to even the score. Max Curran fended off a check below the goal line before turning and finding Deagan McMillan in the left circle. McMillan took the pass and fired a shot over the glove of Scott Ratzlaff to tie the game at one.
Tri-City and Seattle continued to exchange goals in the first period. With Ethan Peters in the box for cross-checking, Jordan Gustafson scored on the first power play of the game to put the Thunderbirds back in front.
The Americans once again tied the game, this time on the power play. Curran dropped the puck at the blue line for Jackson Smith who took a stride in and beat Ratzlaff through a screen to pull the Americans even. The goal came with 5:03 remaining in the period.
Three minutes later Tri-City took their first lead of the night. Parker Bell raced down the right wing and cut toward the Seattle net, jamming the puck on goal. Carter Savage was standing at the top of the crease and whacked at Ratzlaff's pads, knocking the puck loose and into the net. It was Savage's first career WHL goal.
Tri-City led shots-on-goal 17-13 and held a 3-2 lead after the first 20 minutes.
After drawing an interference penalty on Braeden Cootes early second period, Andrew Fan scored far side from the left circle with a sharp angle shot. The goal came at 6:53 just seconds after the power play expired.
The Americans continued to build on their lead. Less than a minute later, Max Curran intercepted a pass in Tri-City's zone and skated in before beating Ratzlaff with a shot from the right circle to finish an impressive individual effort. Curran recorded his second career three-point night with his goal and two primary assists.
Tri-City held on to their 5-2 lead into second intermission.
The Thunderbirds pushed back in the third period with power play goals from Nico Myatovic and Jordan Gustafson but were held off by the Americans. Lukas Matecha turned aside 37 of 41 shots faced from Seattle.
The Americans will wrap up a three-in-three weekend tomorrow in Everett.
FINAL: 5-4 TC
SHOTS: 41-37 SEA
[FINAL]
When the Americans win on the road, you get free Jack in the Box curly fries back home! Just show this coupon at our local Kennewick Jack in the Box.
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