Chiefs, Winterhawks set for second round

The Spokane Chiefs face a tall task in the second round of the Western Hockey League Western Conference playoffs. The Chiefs begin the best-of-seven conference semifinals tonight at Portland’s Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Portland had the best record in the WHL and was 7-2 against the Chiefs this season, outscoring Spokane 45-20. The Chiefs haven’t defeated Portland since Jan. 23. But Spokane won 10 of its last 12 regular-season games and blitzed Tri-City 4-1 in the first round of postseason. Game time is 30 minutes away.