Portland thumps Chiefs, 8-3

PORTLAND – After more than 130 minutes spanning three games, the Spokane Chiefs found the back of the Portland Winterhawks’ net again on Monday afternoon. What the Chiefs couldn’t find, however, was any consistency and dropped an 8-3 decision to the Western Hockey League’s top team in the President’s Day matinee game. Alessio Bertaggia, in his third game back after recovering from an injury, scored for the Chiefs on a power play 11:03 into the second period after Portland had a 5-0 lead. It was Spokane’s first goal against the Winterhawks since its 5-4 shootout victory on Jan. 23. That game capped back-to-back wins over Portland. Since then, the Chiefs have won just four of 12 games and cling to a one-point lead for fourth place in the Western Conference. Adam Helewka followed Bertaggtia’s 21st goal, and fifth as a Chief, with his ninth as Spokane closed to within 5-2 in the second. But Oliver Bjorkstrand scored the next two goals for Portland to cap a four-goal, one-assist night and Mike Aviani’s 26th goal for the Chiefs at 12:05 in the third on a power play made little difference. Spokane was two of five on power plays and five of eight on penalty kills.