Tri-City Gets Back in Win Column with Overtime Victory in Portland
March 4, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Tri-City Americans News Release
An overtime goal from Adam Mechura pushed Tri-City back into the win column tonight as the Ams downed the Winterhawks 4-3 in Portland.
Lukas Dragicevic opened scoring 16:59 into the game as he netted his 15th of the season with a wrist shot from inside the left circle that went over the glove of Winterhawks netminder Jan Spunar. Tri-City's lead didn't hold for long as Marcus Nguyen got Portland on the board with a power play goal to tie the game before the period expired. Tri-City out shot Portland 9-7 through the first 20 minutes.
Portland took their first lead of the night 13:40 into the middle frame with a goal from Gabe Klassen. Just two minutes later, the Americans evened the score as Adam Mechura sent the puck to the crease and Tyson Greenway shoveled home Tri-City's second goal of the night. The Ams led shots again in the second period, 9-7. The game held tied 2-2 entering the third period.
A goal from Kyle Chyzowski put Portland ahead 3-2 and the Winterhawks held a one-goal lead for most of the third period. Tri-City, once again, evened the scored as Jalen Luypen redirected a shot from Parker Bell on the power play at 17:39. Fifteen seconds before the end of the third period, Portland's James Stefan received a major penalty for a check from behind on Ethan Ernst, putting the Americans on a five minute power play.
Tri-City capitalized on the opportunity as Adam Mechura scored 2:35 into the extra period to secure the victory and an extra point in the playoff standings. Mechura's goal was scored with a one-time off a feed from Dragicevic across the crease. The goal was Mechura's 21st of the season and third game-winner.
Dragicevic has been one of the top point producing defensemen in the CHL all season. With a goal and two assists tonight, the 2023 NHL Draft prospect has 68 points in 59 games. Tonight was his fourth 3+ point night this season.
Tomas Suchanek turned aside 21 of 24 shots faced.
Score: 4-3 TC - OT
Shots: 34-34 TC
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