Seattle holds Spokane Chiefs’ offense in check

KENT, Wash. – The Spokane Chiefs went from feast to famine in 24 hours.

Donovan Neuls finished with two goals and set up the winner Saturday while carrying the Seattle Thunderbirds to a 4-1 win over the Chiefs in Western Hockey League play at ShoWare Center.

The outcome came one night after the Chiefs piled up nine goals in a home win over Portland.

Seattle (20-14-4-1, 45 points) tied the Chiefs (21-16-1-2, 45) in the race for the Western Conference wild card. Both teams are right behind the top three teams in the U.S. Division.

Spokane outshot Seattle 40-33 but finished 0 for 6 on power-play chances. Neuls and Matthew Wedman scored power-play goals for Seattle.

Jaret Anderson-Dolan’s 22nd goal of the season in the second period allowed the Chiefs to cut Seattle’s lead to 2-1.