VIGR RECAP: SEATTLE TIES WHL FINALS AT 2-2

Photo courtesy Brian Liesse

The Western Hockey League championship series is now down to a Best-of-3 affair.

The Seattle Thunderbirds scored six unanswered goals Wednesday night on the way to a 6-1 romp over the Regina Pats in the ShoWare Center in Kent, WA, tying the WHL Finals at 2-2.

On the heels of a 3-2 triumph in Tuesday’s Game 3, Regina came out flying to open Wednesday’s contest with leading scorer Sam Steel opening the scoring on the powerplay at the 13:15 mark.

Unfortunately for the Pats, that’s where their offense dried up.

The T-Birds erupted for three goals in a span of 3:22 before the period was out – from Ryan Gropp, Sami Moilanen and Nolan Volcan – for a 3-1 lead after 20 minutes.

The Pats were a completely different team from the one which stole Game 3, and put up little resistance as Seattle fired three more goals in the middle period – from Jarrett Tsyzka, Alexander True and Keegan Kolesar – for a 6-1 lead after two periods.

Back-up goaltender Jordan Hollett replaced Pats starter Tyler Brown for the third period, stopping all 12 shots he faced in the final frame.

Brown was left on his own far too many times on Wednesday, stopping 18 of 24 shots.

At the other end Seattle rookie netminder Carl Stankowski had a relatively easy night, turning aside 18 of 19 shots.

Regina was outshot 35-19 while going 1/3 on the powerplay and 5/7 killing penalties.

The Pats were again missing captain Adam Brooks who was injured in Game 1.

The attendance in Kent, WA on Wednesday was 4652.

As frustrating and disappointing as Wednesday’s performance was, the Pats will quickly look to shake it off and prepare for Game 5 on Friday in Kent. For instance the Anaheim Ducks were routed 7-1 in Game 6 in Edmonton on Sunday but rebounded to capture Game 7 at home Wednesday night.

The Pats have plenty of room for improvement as they look to get back in the driver’s seat of what’s becoming a thrilling series.

Faceoff in Friday’s Game 5 is slated for 8:30 pm Sask Time on 620 CKRM, Access 7 and Shaw.

We now know there will be a Game 6 back at Regina’s Brandt Centre on Sunday at 6:00 pm.

Game 7, if necessary, will also go in Regina on Monday evening.

RP

@rodpedersen