Chiefs maintain postseason hope despite cold streak

The Spokane Chiefs have won one of their last 10 Western Hockey League games, but find themselves not yet out of contention for a playoff spot.

Spokane entertains a pair of division rivals this weekend – Portland tonight and Tri-City on Saturday – two teams that are ahead of the last-place Chiefs in the five-team U.S. Division of the Western Conference. Spokane needs to finish fourth or higher to qualify for the postseason.

Spokane (18-26-4-2, 42 points) hasn’t won consecutive games since early December. The team is on a three-game losing streak after having ended a seven-game losing streak a week ago.

Despite that, the Chiefs are just five points behind struggling Portland (21-23-3-2, 47) and six points behind rival Tri-City (21-22-3-3, 48). Neither of those teams has been lighting it up, allowing Spokane to stay in the race.

“We need four points (two wins) and we’re looking forward to getting them,” said Chiefs coach Bill Peters. “It’s good that we’re at home there this week. We’ve had four good days of practice. I think the guys are excited about the opportunity and looking forward to getting four points and get the day off Sunday.”

Spokane and Portland have been closely matched all season. The Winter Hawks hold a 4-3 advantage and the home teams have gone 2-5.

The Chiefs have lost five straight to the Americans after winning the first three in the season series. Tri-City may be without No. 1 goalie Carey Price, who suffered a cut to his knee this week that required stitches. However, rookie backup goalie Chet Pickard already has a shutout against Spokane.

The injury list continues to be a key factor for the Chiefs. Trying to mend are: captain Jeff Lynch (shoulder, indefinite); defenseman Dan Mercer (groin, indefinite); and forwards David Linsley (hand, week-to-week) and Myles Stoesz (hand, week-to-week). Added to this list this week were forward Johannes Salmonsson (whiplash, day-to-day) and rookie defenseman Jared Spurgeon (concussion, week).

Only Salmonsson and Stoesz will be ready to play, meaning a short bench for Peters.