Sports stats

WHL Tri-City Americans

Power Play Pushes Americans Past Cougars 3-2

January 9, 2010 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Tri-City Americans News Release


KENNEWICK, WA - As the old adage goes, 'good teams find ways to win.' And, on Friday night at Toyota Center, the Tri-City Americans used the man-advantage to do just that.

Behind three power play goals and 24 saves from Alexander Pechurskiy, the Tri-City Americans (30-10-0-1, 61 pts) overcame an early two-goal deficit to defeat the visiting Prince George Cougars (9-31-1-1, 20 pts) 3-2 in front of 3,777 fans. With the win, the Americans snapped their brief two-game losing streak and avoided losing back-to-back home games for just the second time this season. Meanwhile, the Cougars have lost seven of their last 10 and wrap-up the four-game regular season series with Tri-City winless for the second consecutive year.

On Friday, a slow start put Tri-City in an early hole. Nearing the midway point of the first period, Alex Rodgers sent in a pass from the right circle. Waiting in the slot, Taylor Makin deflected the pass past Pechurskiy, giving the Cougars a 1-0 lead.

The Cougars had their chances to open up the game, as Pechurskiy was tested several times in the first period. But, each time, he was up to the challenge. Pechurskiy stopped former Americans' forward Spencer Asuchak twice in the period, including once on a penalty shot. He also made a diving save towards the net when the puck took an odd bounce and headed toward the goal line.

On the other side of the ice, Prince George's Alex Wright had a few close calls also, as Tyler Schmidt rang a shot off the cross bar and Justin Feser shot one off the right post. By the end of the first 20 minutes, however, it remained a 1-0 Cougars lead.

The Cougars started the second period on the power play after Adam Hughesman was called for high sticking just seconds before the first intermission break. Then, 14 seconds into the period, James Dobrowolski found Nick Buonassisi busting up the slot. Buonassisi tipped Dobrowolski's pass between the pads of Pechurskiy, who was sliding across the crease to make the save. And, just like that, the Americans found themselves in a two-goal hole.

But, just over five minutes later and with help from the power play, Tri-City started their comeback. During a scramble in front of Wright, Feser knocked in a Jordan Messier rebound, putting Tri-City on the board. Then, with 1:04 remaining in the period, Adam Hughesman beat Wright with a one-timer from the right circle, tying the game at 2 headed into the second period break.

Finally, at the 8:09 mark of the third period, Hughesman set-up Kruise Reddick, who beat Wright short-side on the blocker, to put the Americans on top for good. A great defensive effort by Tri-City kept Wright in net for most of the final minutes of play, as they held on for the 3-2 victory.

Pechurskiy, making just his third WHL start, picked up the win. Meanwhile, Wright stopped 23 of the 26 shots he faced in dropping his third straight game. Tri-City finished the night a perfect 3-for-3 on the power play, while the Cougars went 1-for-1 on the man-advantage.

The Americans will now get on the bus tomorrow, January 9, and head north for a match-up with their U.S. Division rivals, the Spokane Chiefs. Game time is 7:00 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Arena. It is the sixth meeting of the year between the two clubs, with Tri-City holding a 3-2 advantage in the 12-game series. The Americans have won three of their last four against the Chiefs, including a 5-2 win in their last meeting back on New Year's Eve in Kennewick. Meanwhile, Spokane, who has lost their last six home games, has gone 8-2 in their last 10 home games vs. Tri-City. Fans can catch all the action live, via WHL WebTV, at the Americans' home away from home, Kimo's Sports Café in Richland. The game will also be broadcast live on NewsTalk 870 AM<, starting with the Sterling Savings Bank Warm-up Show at 6:45 p.m.

Applebee's 3 Stars:

1, Kruise Reddick, Tri-City

2, Adam Hughesman, Tri-City

3, James Dobrowolski, Prince George

Check out the Tri-City Americans Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from January 9, 2010


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.

Other Recent Tri-City Americans Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central