WHL playoffs: Petan powers Winterhawks to 3-1 lead

Nicolas Petan had a hat trick as the Portland Winterhawks downed the visiting Kelowna Rockets 5-1 on Wednesday to tighten their grip on the Western Hockey League playoff series.

The win gives Portland a 3-1 lead in the WHL’s Western Conference final.

Oliver Bjorkstrand and Paul Bittner also scored for the Winterhawks, while Corbin Boes made 31 saves. Bittner’s goal was into an empty net.

Nick Merkley was the lone scorer for Kelowna, while Jordon Cooke stopped 31 of 35 shots.

Portland was 3 for 8 on the power play.

Oil Kings 4, Tigers 1: Brett Pollock scored twice, including the winner, as Edmonton topped Medicine Hat at Medicine Hat, Alberta.

The Oil Kings lead the WHL’s Eastern Conference final 3-1.

Captain Griffin Reinhart and Riley Kieser also scored for Edmonton, as Tristan Jarry made 22 saves.