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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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Chiefs begin key stretch tonight

The Spokane Chiefs face Everett tonight in what can be considered a huge game. No, the Chiefs don't have to win to make the Western Hockey League playoffs. But that was never the goal. The goal has always been to make noise in the playoffs.

The way the Chiefs have played, especially at home, their only consistency has been inconsistency, so tonight's game starts the post-season, at least if they really want to be considered a contender. As we have mentioned, eight of 13 February games are at home but the Chiefs have lost seven of eight home games since mid-December, five by one goal.

Oops, Alan Caldwell's blog left off Spokane as he looked at what was needed to earn a playoff berth, but as he said, making the playoffs isn't big in the West. Eight of 10 teams make it and Prince George and Seattle are all but officially eliminated. ... Despite a WHL-best record, attendance is a little off in Tri-City. Back after tonight's game.



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