T-Birds Close Gap on Playoffs
Published on February 1, 2004 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Seattle Thunderbirds News Release
SPOKANE, WASH., JANUARY 31, 2004 â The Seattle Thunderbirds (www.seattlethunderbirds.com) blanked the Spokane Chiefs tonight in Spokane by a score of 4-0, in front of 7,027 in Spokane's Veterans Memorial Arena.
The Thunderbirds (16-25-8-3) entered the weekend with a goal of defeating the Chiefs, scoring four points and closing to within single digits behind Spokane in the Western Hockey League's U.S. Division playoff race. With tonight's shut out-they accomplished each element of their goal.
Spokane (21-23-3-7) entered tonight's game on a nine-game losing streak and the T-Birds worked to avoid breaking that streak. Despite the fact that Spokane gained one point in the Western Hockey League's U.S. Division last night after loosing overtime, the T-Birds collected a much-needed two points in the U.S. Division by defeating the Chiefs and closing their lead to only nine points.
Seattle will play on the road against the Vancouver Giants Wednesday. With more road-game victories (nine) than home-game victories (seven) the T-Birds have another opportunity to take one step closer to the 2003-2004 post season.
Neither of the team's scored in the first two periods. In fact neither team did much of anything in the first periodâboth registered only seven shots on goal.
The Thunderbirds stepped up the pace of the game in the second. Though they didn't score in the second, they did register 17 shots on goalâevidence that the team's strategy to loosen up, skate hard and shoot often is working.
Then, in the third period, the difference was made obvious with a four-goal outburst in less than a 16-minute span.
At 4:50 Seattle rookie Yashar Farmanara scored the game's first goalâthe eventual game winning goal. It was his seventh of the year and was assisted by Steven Goertzen. With that goal, the flood gates were opened.
Another Seattle rookie, Chris Durand, made another on-the-ice statement about his contribution to the Thunderbirds' offensive out put. He scored his 14th goal of the year at 13:49. The Thunderbirds started to take advantage of a Spokane goalie, Jim Watt, who had bobbled the puck and allowed big rebounds all game long.
Team Captain Dustin Johner scored his team-leading 19th goal of the year less than four minutes after the Durand goal. Cole Simpson made a great effort to move the puck to the Chief's zone and it got behind the Chief defenseâa defensive crew that anticipated the puck would be whistled dead for icing. Thanks to the pure hustle of Johner, it wasn't. His effort surprised even Watt who initially made a move to come and out challenge Johnerâhe hesitated, retreated to his goal and Johner buried the puck past Watt on the left-side post. The goal was scored at 17:24.
In a last-ditch effort, Spokane pulled Watt, but Seattle would make them pay for the decision. Justin Maiser scored his eighth goal of the yearâan empty net, unassisted goalâat 19:26.
Seattle goalie, Bryan Bridges, posted his fourth shut out of the year. He had been pulled in the team's last game after only 5:02 and one single shot when that shot rolled into the net. But, showing great character, Bridges made the start and posted 19 saves to register the win. His record improves to 11-15-3. For Spokane, Watt's record falls to 11-10-1-1.
Despite the calendar reading January, it is not too early for tonight's game to have solid playoff implications. It was the 53rd of the year for fourth-ranked Spokane, but was only the 51st for fifth-ranked Seattle; with two games "in hand" the Thunderbirds have a solid chance to make a successful playoff run. These two teams will play head-to-head three more times in the regular season.
Western Hockey League Stories from February 1, 2004
- Chiefs Education Fund raises over $16,000 in jersey auction - Spokane Chiefs
- Winter Hawks Beat Tri-City, 3-1 - Portland Winterhawks
- T-Birds Close Gap on Playoffs - Seattle Thunderbirds
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.
