There was no reason for “what-ifs” when the Spokane Chiefs’ season ended Wednesday night. The Portland Winterhawks’ 5-0 victory at the Arena capped a 4-0 series sweep that left Chiefs coach Don Nachbaur wondering where his team’s offense went.
The Spokane Chiefs must now use the Kelowna Rockets as inspiration. After Portland’s 3-1 win at the Arena on Tuesday night, the Chiefs must win four consecutive games against the Winterhawks to advance in the Western Hockey League playoffs.
Don Nachbaur frequently says, “Our best players have to be our best players.” By that, the Chiefs coach means that Spokane’s chances at success are limited unless the team’s season-long leaders carry the load.
PORTLAND – Their difficult task has become harder, but at least the Spokane Chiefs are returning to familiar surroundings. Mac Carruth stopped 27 shots to become the Western Hockey League’s career leader for playoff wins Saturday night, and the Portland Winterhawks blanked the Spokane Chiefs 3-0 at the Rose Garden to take control of their Western Conference semifinal.
Their difficult task has become harder, but at least the Spokane Chiefs are returning to familiar surroundings. Mac Carruth stopped 27 shots to become the Western Hockey League’s career leader for playoff wins Saturday night, and the Portland Winterhawks blanked the Spokane Chiefs 3-0.
PORTLAND – Friday night turned raggedy and Rattie for the Spokane Chiefs. The Chiefs were whistled for 16 infractions and Ty Rattie had a natural hat trick in the third period as the Portland Winterhawks wore down the Chiefs 7-2 to open the Western Hockey League Western Conference semifinals at Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
PORTLAND ¬– Friday night turned raggedy and Rattie for the Spokane Chiefs.
The Chiefs were whistled for 16 infractions and Ty Rattie had a natural hat trick in the third period as the Portland Winterhawks wore down the Chiefs 7-2 to open the Western Hockey League Western Conference semifinals at Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
