Flodell, Seattle Blank Tri-City 4-0
March 7, 2016 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Tri-City Americans News Release
Tri-City Americans Skate in on the Seattle Thunderbirds
(Tri-City Americans, Credit: John Allen, Arid Acres Photography)
Kennewick, WA - The Thunderbirds' defense was in full force on Sunday night, shutting down the Americans.
On the other side of the ice, late second period goals by Donovan Neuls and Cavin Leth helped lift the visiting Seattle Thunderbirds (40-23-3-0, 83 pts) past the Tri-City Americans (31-32-2-1, 65 pts) 4-0 in front of 3,097 fans at Toyota Center. For Tri-City, it was just the second time the team had been shutout this season and the first on home ice. Meanwhile, with 6 games left on the schedule, the Americans remain 4 points back of idle Spokane for the final Wild Card spot.
Meeting for the third time in a 10-day span, the Americans and Thunderbirds played a tight, defensive first period, allowing just a combined 12 shots on goal.
It appeared the game would remain scoreless after two periods, until a late Seattle flurry gave them the lead. With less than 5 minutes left in the second period, Neuls buried a pass from Scott Eansor, to break the scoreless tie. Then, just 25 seconds later, Leth netted his 12th of the season to make it a 2-0 game.
Seattle stretched its lead to 3-0 at the 5:38 mark of the third period, after Alexander True's shot ricocheted off the glass and hit Nicholas Sanders in the back before rolling into the net. Then, with 5:22 remaining and, in an effort to provide an offensive spark, Tri-City coach Mike Williamson pulled Sanders for the extra attacker. But, only 6 seconds later, Andreas Schumacher got through the defense and registered is third goal of the season into the empty net.
Seattle's Logan Flodell picked up the win in net, stopping all 17 shots he faced. Meanwhile, Sanders picked up 31 saves on 34 shots in the loss. Both teams finished the night 0-for-2 on the man-advantage.
After a day off on Monday, the Americans prepare for a visit from the Kamloops Blazers (32-25-5-4) on Tuesday, March 8 at Toyota Center. Game time is 7:05pm. Tri-City currently leads the 4-game season series 2-1, which includes a 5-3 win in their most recent match-up on February 2 in Kennewick. Tickets are on sale now at the Toyota Center box office or online at ticketmaster.com. For ticket specials, contact the Americans' office at (509) 736-0606.
Jack in the Box 3 Stars:
1. Jerret Smith, Seattle
2. Scott Eansor, Seattle
3. Donovan Neuls, Seattle
Images from this story
 Tri-City Americans Skate in on the Seattle Thunderbirds (John Allen, Arid Acres Photography) |
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