Chiefs can’t put two wins together, losing in Seattle

SEATTLE – The Spokane Chiefs failed to capitalize on a shot at their first winning streak in nearly two months, as Seattle defeated Spokane 3-1 in Western Hockey League play Friday night.

The Chiefs (18-25-4-1, 41 points) snapped a seven-game losing streak on Wednesday with a home victory over Vancouver, but two Seattle goals in the second period prevented them from winning back-to-back games since a three-game streak Dec. 3-6.

Roman Tomanek opened the scoring for the Thunderbirds (23-20-1-3; 50) just 12 seconds into the second period, catching Chiefs goalie Kevin Armstrong off balance for his 15th goal of the season. Kyle Pess added a second goal on a power play at 19:18 of the period.

The Chiefs found the net on a power play at 16:17 of the third, when Brad Erickson hit a one-timer from Evan Haw for his 10th goal of the season.

Spokane pulled Armstrong from goal in the final 2 minutes for an extra skater, but Seattle’s Ryan Gibbons hit an empty-netter from the neutral zone at 18:46 to ice the game. It was Gibbons’s 16th goal of the season and fourth against the Chiefs.

The loss keeps Spokane three points behind Tri-City (19-21-3-3) for the fourth and final playoff spot in the five-team U.S. Division. The teams will face off tonight in Kennewick.

Thunderbirds 3, Chiefs 1

First Period – None. Second Period – 1, Sea, Tomanek 15 (Scurko, Jackson) :12; 2, Pess 13 (Tomanek, Gagnon) 19:18 (pp). Third Period – 3, Spo, Erickson 10 (Haw, Ryan) 16:17 (pp); 4, Sea, Gibbons 16 (Durand) 18:46 (en).

Power-play Opp. – Spokane 1 of 5; Seattle 1 of 6. Saves – Spokane, Armstrong 29 saves. Seattle, Bridges 35 saves. A – 4,351.