Czech import defenseman Marek Alscher’s first Western Hockey League goal with 2:55 left in the 3rd period won the game for the Portland Winterhawks Saturday night at Memorial Coliseum. Portland was down 3-0 in the 2nd period but rallied with one goal in the 2nd and three in the 3rd.
Why the Winterhawks won: The 3rd period. They had a slight edge in play after 2 periods but were down 3-1. But in the 3rd they turned up the heat, controlling the game even more than the 14-7 shot total would indicate. A couple of penalties slowed the comeback attempt a little bit, but Tri-City took a too many men penalty with 7 minutes left, and Dawson Pasternak capitalized on the power play to tie the game. The Alscher won it late.
Why the Winterhawks won: A breakout 3rd period from Gabe Klassen. He’d struggled through 5 games with only 2 points, but capitalized on Portland’s dominance to start the 3rd with a goal two minutes in, and then assisted on Pasternak’s tying goal. They need his offense going forward.
Why the Winterhawks won: Goals from inexperienced players. Marcus Nguyen scored in the 2nd to make it 3-1, his second career WHL goal. Pasternak’s goal was his first league goal (and first point), and Alscher’s was his first goal and point. With Portland’s veterans not producing, it was a welcome contribution.
Why the Americans lost: They became a stationary target. They defend well in their own zone, but 39 shots allowed is too much of a norm for them. They don’t have enough offensive players that get them time in the other teams’ end. Even when they got the lead, it was through greasy and somewhat fluky goals. And the weight of numbers gets to be too much in the end.
Why the Americans lost: Top players Samuel Huo and Connor Bouchard went scoreless.
What it means: It took a little more effort than you would have liked in a game where Portland was heavily favored, but they got the comeback, and maybe it will be a sign of increased production from some of those 3rd period scorers. They’ll need it, with the undefeated Everett Silvertips next.
Scoring summary
13:38 TC (sh) Rhett Melnyk 0-1
19:02 TC Landon Roberts (Tanner Gould) 0-2
26:45 TC Parker Bell (Petr Moravec) 0-3
27:19 POR Marcus Nguyen (Ryder Thompson) 1-3
42:08 POR Gabe Klassen (Kyle Chyzowski, Ryder Thompson) 2-3
54:41 POR (pp) Dawson Pasternak (Luca Cagnoni, Gabe Klassen) 3-3
57:05 POR Marek Alscher (Cross Hanas) 4-3
Next games
Friday vs. Everett, 7pm
Saturday vs. Everett, 6pm
Next away game: Friday 10/29 at Everett, 7pm
Looking ahead: Wednesday 11/3 at Kamloops, 7pm
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