AMERICANS 5 PATS 3
Kennewick, WA- The Tri-City Americans (13-9-2) built a four-goal lead through two periods of play, and survived a big third period push by the Regina Pats (12-11-0) to skate away with a 5-3 victory Friday night at the Toyota Center.
The Pats had an opportunity to take an early lead when Riley Hillis’ stick broke at the blue line, sending Regina in on the breakaway. After Eric Comrie made the save on the initial shot, Hillis blocked the rebound attempt in the crease, preventing the goal.
After going scoreless on two power play opportunities, a Mitch Topping penalty put the Americans shorthanded for the first time. However, it was the Americans who would capitalize. At 18:41 of the opening frame, Marcus Messier went in with Lucas Nickles on a 2-on-1 and snapped it through Nicholas Schneider’s legs to give Tri-City the 1-0 lead.
Tri-City wasted no time adding to its lead in the second period, scoring 10 seconds in. Mitch Topping picked up the puck in the neutral zone and fed the pass to Brian Williams. After losing control of the puck momentarily, Williams got the puck on his backhand and lifted it over Schneider’s shoulder.
The Americans got itself into penalty trouble with back-to-back minor penalties, giving Regina multiple chances in front of Comrie. But the Americans goaltender stood tall, with the help of his defense, keeping the Pats off the scoreboard.
Phil Tot gave the Americans the 3-0 lead at the 16:23 mark, dangling his way through the defense and deking the Pats net minder. Just 1:35 later, Tri-City would extend its lead to four. Williams blasted a one time a pass from Parker Bowles for the power play goal, giving the Americans a 4-0 lead after 40 minutes.
Adam Brooks got the Pats on the board, scoring on the Braden Christoffer rebound at 2:32 of the third period. The early goal set the tone for the third period, tilting the ice towards Regina. Boston Leier followed up with a goal at 5:27 to get the Pats right back in the game, down 4-2 with 14:33 remaining.
After the Americans failed to put the game away with a power play late in the game, Christoffer pulled the Pats within a goal, carrying the puck up the ice and lifting the puck over Comries shoulder with 4:34 remaining.
Lucas Nickles put an end to the Pats third period surge at the 18:08 mark, going in on the Regina goal on an odd man rush, snapping the puck past Schneider to give the Americans a two-goal cushion.
The Pats visit the Spokane Chiefs Saturday night at 9:00 pm on 620 CKRM.
Score flatters pats . I listened to it and they were getting blown out until they scored in 3rd.
so, at least they battled back to make it 4-3. Ran into a hot goalie as well.
,,,a couple of head scratchers in this game. Your missing your top d-man and captain. Your missing your top forward on suspension yet you play a 16 year old goalie in his first game?. He was in a tough spot and delivered the best he could. Starting him in Red Deer next weekend might have been more realistic. If we play our #1 goalie we probably get points. It was the game they had the most chance to win. Tonight in Spokane will be real tough.,,,our defence was really bad last night.,,,this was a winnable game but enough players did… Read more »
^^ Pounded on this trip? At the very worst they come out of this at 3-3 which is a very successful trip out west against some tough teams. Give your head a shake buddy…
Yes pounded on the trip. If you had actually watched the games you might understand something and know what your talking about. You clearly don't. Hand was physically knocked out of games, Burroughs was physically knocked out of games, and they have been punished physically. Before you make a comment please understand what you're talking about and at least try to understand the subject matter. Because right now you don't! Before you hit the keyboard give your head about three shakes, really.
Agree " Yes pounded on the trip. If you had actually watched the games you might understand something and know what your talking about. You clearly don't. Hand was physically knocked out of games, Burroughs was physically knocked out of games, and they have been punished physically. Before you make a comment please understand what you're talking about and at least try to understand the subject matter. Because right now you don't! Before you hit the keyboard give your head about three shakes, really. "
Score flatters Pats??? If not for Comrie playing a great game, the Pats could have had three goals that they were robbed on. They also had many more good scoring chances, and they out shot the Americans. I watched the game, and the Pats played pretty good compared to what people who listened to the game are saying. Schnieder played pretty damn good for his first WHL start also. Two of the goals he had no chance on. I'm really not too concerned that they started they're 16 year old back up. He played good and with more games, will… Read more »
I hate the Pats. Want to go on record with that. But any Pats fan that is complaining about a 3-3 record on that road trip needs to seriously look into medication. Swift has won 9 in a row and gotten points in 10, and they went o and 5 on that trip. Malcolm Cameron is doing an unbelieveable job, as are the last guys not drafted by Dale McMullen – Klimmer, Stephenson, Stevenson, Burroughs…..This team is riding the efforts of the last scouting staff and a great coach. As for people complaining, with the talent level on this team… Read more »
Great shoot out win Pats@ Spokane