Chris Derrick

KENNEWICK – Tri-City Americans fans were already none too keen on Blake Gal. Their lack of warmth toward Gal only grew after the Spokane Chiefs’ right wing pushed the Americans to the brink of playoff elimination Thursday night. Gal scored 5 minutes, 10 seconds into overtime against backup goaltender Troy Trombley to give the Chiefs a 4-3 victory and a 3-1 advantage in their Western Hockey League best-of-seven series. The Chiefs have three shots at finishing off the series, starting Saturday night at Toyota Center. If the Americans win Game 5, Spokane would have two chances at home to end the first-round series.

KENNEWICK – Something shifted when the first-round playoff series between the Spokane Chiefs and Tri-City Americans hit the 150-minute mark Tuesday night. Until then, the Chiefs dominated the Western Hockey League best-of-seven series. They owned two home victories and a 4-1 lead halfway through Game 3 at the Toyota Center. They had outscored Tri-City 14-6 in the series and were 30 minutes away from taking a commanding 3-0 advantage.

KENNEWICK – One thing is certain, the Tri-City Americans got back into their Western Hockey League playoff series by defeating the Spokane Chiefs 5-4 in overtime on Tuesday night. Not so certain was who scored the OT winner at 10 minutes, 46 seconds of the extra period.

KENNEWICK – One thing is certain, the Tri-City Americans got back into their Western Hockey League playoff series by defeating the Spokane Chiefs 5-4 in overtime on Tuesday night.

Freshman Shacobia Barbee didn’t let nerves get to her at the free-throw line. Senior Jasmine James had the nerve to shoot 3-pointers.