Image Credit: (CREDIT/www.blazerhockey.com)
April 19, 2013 - 11:43 PM
An early goal was not enough for the Kamloops Blazers in the WHL Western Conference Final against the Portland Winterhawks.
The Blazers lost to the Winterhawks 4-1 in Portland in the series opener.
Fourth-line Blazer Joe Kornelsen put one past Winterhawks goalie Mac Carruth just 2:10 into the first period, taking an early lead.
But the Winterhawks responded late in the first period with two goals - the first by Taylor Leier and the second by Ty Rattie on a short-handed penalty shot after a slashing call on Blazer Joel Edmundson.
The teams traded chances in a scoreless second period with the shots also even at 13 each.
Portland took control early in the third as Captain Troy Rutkowski put one past Blazer goaltender Cole Cheveldave on a rebound 3:17 into the final frame.
A goal by Brendan Leipsic with six minutes left sealed the fate of the Blazers making it 4-1 Portland.
Tensions built and seven penalties were handed out in the last two minutes including a five-minute checking from behind major to Rattie, leaving his status in question for game two.
Seven penalties were handed out leaving the Blazers on a powerplay, but unable to capitalize.
The Blazers were 0 for 5 on the powerplay while the Winterhawks were 1 for 3.
Kamloops was outshot 41-34.
The Winterhawks take the lead in the series 1-0 heading into game two in Portland 7 p.m. Saturday night.
To contact a reporter for this story, email: jwallace@infotelnews.ca or call (250) 319-7494.
News from © iNFOnews, 2013