Chiefs complete lackluster weekend

In the race for second through fourth places in the U.S. Division of the Western Hockey League, a team’s fortunes can swing wildly based on the outcomes of “four-point” games – ones against division opponents.

Ask the Spokane Chiefs.

The second-place team entering the weekend, the Chiefs’ fortunes fell based on back-to-back losses to the Seattle Thunderbirds. Seattle slapped a 2-0 loss on the listless Chiefs on Saturday night at the Arena.

“It’s frustrating, obviously, and that’s the taste you’ve got to take into the (Christmas) break,” said Chiefs coach Bill Peters, whose team is off until a Dec. 27 game at Prince George.

“We’ve got some young guys and some guys that need a break,” he continued. “The break comes at a good time for us, not only for guys that have injuries, but also for some guys who look like they’re mentally tired. We weren’t very sharp.”

Thunderbirds goalie Jacob DeSerres had 26 saves for a shutout win which allowed Seattle (15-9-1-8, 39 points) to move ahead of Spokane (17-13-3-1, 38) and Tri-City (38) in the U.S. Division standings.

A night after defeating Spokane 6-3 in Seattle, the Thunderbirds got the better of the home team in the first period and kept going from there.

Several of the Chiefs’ emotional leaders tried to rally their teammates at times, but to no avail. Seattle turned away the short bursts of energy, none of which Spokane was able to sustain for any prolonged time.

The loss was the second in a row for Spokane after a four-game winning streak and ended a six-game home winning streak for the Chiefs.

“The effort wasn’t there or the commitment, and the mindset was almost a check-out,” said assistant captain Chris Bruton. “The responsibility is to each individual and to our leadership core. We weren’t there. It’s a maturity test and Seattle was definitely more mature and committed to come out and win.”

Seattle’s first goal came at the 7-minute, 49-second mark on a shot from the left circle by Chris Durand that eluded the stick of Spokane defenseman Mike Reddington and beat Kevin Armstrong low.

The Chiefs continued their listless play in the second period, although they did slow down the momentum of the Thunderbirds for a few shifts.

They did not break through against DeSerres, whom Spokane hadn’t seen in the teams’ first four meetings this season.

Spokane’s power play, ranked seventh in the league entering the game, was shut out in nine attempts. Seattle’s penalty kill came into the game ranked sixth in the WHL. The Chiefs even let a 5-on-3 opportunity pass them by at the end of the first period.

The Chiefs started to show some life in the third period, but a defensive breakdown allowed Seattle to extend its lead to 2-0 at the 4:20 mark of the third on a goal by David Richard. Richard sneaked the puck between the near post and Armstrong for the insurance goal.

“I thought most guys came out and gave it their all,” said assistant captain Derek Ryan. “But some guys were passengers and we can’t have that. Over the break, we’ve got to think about that, come back, and take care of business for sure.”

T-Birds 2, Chiefs 0

First Period—1, Sea, Durand 5 (Scott, McKenzie) 7:49. Second Period—None. Third Period—2, Sea, Richard 4 (Meidl) 4:20.

Power-play Opp.—Seattle 0 of 5; Spokane 0 of 9. Saves—Seattle, DeSerres 26 saves. Spokane, Armstrong 24 saves. A—6,232.