Penalties Doom Americans in 3-2 Loss to Thunderbirds
April 11, 2021 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Tri-City Americans News Release
Kennewick, WA - The Americans found themselves in penalty trouble tonight as they were defeated 3-2 by the Seattle Thunderbirds. All three of Seattle's goals were scored on a power play. With tonight's victory the Thunderbirds advance to second in the US Division behind the Everett Silvertips.
Mitchell Brown and Cade McNelly dropped the gloves less than two minutes into tonight's game. Brown was given an extra two-minute penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct putting the Thunderbirds on the power play. Jared Davidson capitalized on the man-advantage for the Thunderbirds to give them an early lead.
Seattle held on to their one-goal lead until late in the first period when the Americans responded with their own power play goal from Sasha Mutala. Mutala's goal, his fourth of the season, was scored from the goal line off a sharp-angle shot. Edge Lambert and Luke Zazula assisted the goal.
Just 40 seconds later, the Americans followed with a goal from Mitchell Brown to take the lead. After a scramble in front of the net Brown found the loose puck in the slot and shot it over Thomas Milic's right shoulder. The goal was assisted by Alex Serraglio, his first Western Hockey League point, and Booker Daniel.
The Americans took a 2-1 lead into the first intermission.
The game turned back in favor of the Thunderbirds 4:21 into the second frame when Henrik Rybinski scored their second power play goal of the night. Seconds after the goal Seattle found themselves back on the power play. Jordan Gustafson quickly capitalized on the opportunity and the Thunderbirds took a 3-2 lead.
Tri-City was 1/4 tonight on the power play and Seattle went 3/9. Nine power play opportunities against is a season-high for the Americans.
The Thunderbirds held on to their lead through the third period to earn their first victory of the season against the Americans and advance to second in the US Division standings.
Tri-City will get a rematch in Seattle on Tuesday as they play the Thunderbirds for the third time this season.
Final Score: 3-2 SEA
Shots: 26-23 SEA
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