Chiefs try to end three-game skid on road versus Kamloops

The Spokane Chiefs will try to end a three-game Western Hockey League losing streak against the team that started them on it.

Spokane visits Kamloops today for a 7 p.m. game, two weeks after a 6-1 home loss to the Blazers.

The Chiefs finish their weekend with a home game on Saturday night against Tri-City, a 4-3 overtime winner when the teams met in Kennewick last weekend.

On paper, the opponents seem to present a good opportunity for Spokane (5-6-0-1, 11 points) to right the ship. The Chiefs are last in the U.S. Division of the Western Conference, but are just one point back of fourth-place Tri-City (5-7-2, 12). Kamloops (5-11-1, 11) is bringing up the rear of the B.C. Division and has lost three of its last four, having been outscored by a margin of 14-5 in those games.

The Chiefs’ loss to Kamloops saw backup goalie Kirk Irving give up all the goals on just 18 shots.

In order to have luck this weekend, Spokane will need to improve on all aspects of its special-teams play.

“We definitely have to do a better job on our power play,” said coach Al Conroy of his team’s play in the loss to Kamloops, noting the Chiefs failed to capitalize on a five-minute power play before the game got out of hand.

Tri-City defenseman Clayton Stoner was named WHL player of the week after back-to-back overtime game-winning goals against Everett and Spokane last weekend. Spokane had battled back from a 3-0 deficit to force the extra session.

“That was disappointing,” said Conroy of the loss. “I thought the guys played real hard. We kind of gave them some opportunities with the power play (two second-period goals) … then we played real well to tie it, had some opportunities to win it. The overtime goal, I really thought was too bad. …”

Conroy said all his players are healthy and available to play, except for Joe Logan (day-to-day, groin).