Chiefs host Portland Winterhawks in must-win Game 6
Should the Chiefs extend their season, expect it to be dramatic.
Game 6 of a Western Hockey League first-round playoff series between Spokane and Portland takes place Monday night at the Arena. The Chiefs trail 3-2 in a series that has seen just one home-ice victory.
Spokane’s wins both came in Portland; both in overtime. Two of Portland’s wins came in Spokane, although those trends should not come as a surprise. The Chiefs are 4-3 in Portland this season, 1-5 against the Winterhawks in Spokane.
As for overtime dramatics, it was Kailer Yamamoto who rescued the Chiefs on Saturday night. His goal at 9 minutes, 19 seconds into overtime provided a 5-4 victory. One week prior, it was Luke Toporowski with the overtime winner as the Chiefs took the series opener.
The Chiefs dropped three in a row in between victories.
For the Chiefs to extend the series they must slow Portland’s hottest skaters. Cody Glass leads Portland with eight points in the series, including a goal and an assist in Saturday’s loss. Dennis Cholowski scored his series-best fourth goal on Saturday.
Game 7, if necessary, is scheduled for Tuesday night in Portland.