Chiefs lose critical game
PORTLAND – If the Spokane Chiefs’ playoff hopes had any life, they were extinguished by the Portland Winter Hawks.
Michael Sauer’s goal at the 10:42 mark of the third period was the difference as Portland downed Spokane 3-0 in Western Hockey League play on Friday night at the Rose Garden. It was the 10th straight loss for the Chiefs and their 16th in a row on the road.
The Chiefs (21-36-5-3, 50 points) are 11 points out of the last playoff spot for the U.S. Division with just seven regular-season games remaining.
The Chiefs’ magic number to be mathematically eliminated from the playoff race is two. Portland (61 points) moved into a tie with Tri-City for third place with the win.
Portland broke open a scoreless game with three goals over a period of 5:39 in the third period for the win.
After Sauer’s goal, Brandon Dubinsky scored on the power play at the 14:48 mark of the third. Jannik Hansen scored the final goal with 3:39 left.
Winter Hawks 3, Chiefs 0
| Spokane | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | |
| Portland | 0 | 0 | 3 | — | 3 |
First Period—None. Second Period—None. Third Period—1, Por, Sauer (Bailey) 10:42; 2, Por, Dubinsky 19 (Bailey, Woolger) 14:48 (pp); 3, Por, Hansen 23 (Dubinsky, Collins) 16:21.
Power-play Opp.—Spokane 0 of 7; Portland 1 of 6. Saves—Spokane, Stehr 31 saves. Portland, Mucha 22 saves. A—8,087.