Chiefs once again find no solace on Silvertips’ ice

EVERETT – The Spokane Chiefs bid a not-so-fond adieu to the Everett Event Center on Sunday.

Everett took full advantage of its power-play opportunities, scoring four times in six tries, and the Silvertips doubled up the Chiefs 4-2 in Western Hockey League play.

The Chiefs (20-26-8-2) failed to win in all five of their games on the home ice of the Silvertips (26-22-7-2).

The loss means Spokane remains in fourth place, two points ahead of the Tri-City Americans in the race for the final playoff berth in the American Division. Spokane has 16 games remaining, while Tri-City has 17.

After a scoreless first period, disaster struck the Chiefs in the second stanza.

Everett scored three power-play goals over a 3-minute, 18-second span to take control of the contest.

Torrie Wheat netted the Silvertips’ first goal at the 10:28 mark. Mitch Love found the net 35 seconds later to up the lead to 2-0 and Curtis Billsten capped the scoring outburst at 13:46.

Ivan Baranka all but settled matters, tallying Everett’s final goal just 2:14 into the final period.

Spokane averted the shutout when Kyle Howarth scored at the 5:37 mark of the third. Gary Gladue notched the Chiefs’ final tally at 12:54.

Spokane finished 0 for 4 on its man-advantage opportunities and was on the short end of a 36-18 mark in shots on goal. The four power-play goals allowed was a season-high for the Chiefs. Gladue and Danny Lapointe had assists for Spokane.