Tri-City, playing the final game of a three-in-three weekend and already shorthanded with several injuries, put up a strong fight Sunday afternoon in Portland. However, the Portland Winterhawks controlled the third period and held on for a 3–1 victory.

First Period

Portland struck first once again, continuing a troubling trend for Tri-City, who have conceded the opening goal within the first five minutes in all three games this weekend.

Alex Weiermair fired a long shot from the point that created a rebound, which Max Psenicka cleaned up in front. Lukas Wendt had little chance to make the save.

Just a minute after the goal, Tri-City’s Jaxen Adam and Portland’s Reed Brown dropped the gloves following a heavy hit in the Tri-City zone. Neither player landed many clean punches before Brown dragged Adam down.

After the early surge from Portland, Tri-City settled into the game and began pushing for the equalizer.

Following a competitive opening frame, Portland led 1–0 with shots even at 9–9. Both teams had power-play opportunities but were unable to convert.

Second Period

Things heated up in the second period after David Krcal was interfered with, sending Tri-City to their second power play.

Early in the man advantage, Portland captain Alex Weiermair broke free for a shorthanded breakaway. He tried to get fancy, but Wendt stayed patient and made the save.

Tri-City responded moments later to tie the game.

Jake Gudelj, who has had success against Portland this season, scored his 10th goal of the year, and recorded his 100th career point with just seconds remaining on the power play. Gudelj went upstairs on Ondrej Stebetak to even the score at 1–1.

But the celebration was short-lived.

Just 21 seconds later, Portland regained the lead when Nathan Brown knocked a loose puck out of the air and banged it past Wendt to make it 2–1.

Tri-City nearly tied the game again shortly after their third power play expired. Connor Dale slid a perfect backdoor pass to David Krcal, but Stebetak stretched across and got a piece of it with his blocker.

Then, David Krcal took a clear stick to the face, and Portland was initially called for high-sticking. However, after a discussion, the referees overturned the call, even after the Portland player had already gone to the penalty box.

After two periods, Tri-City had mounted a strong pushback and held a 24–18 advantage in shots but still trailed 2–1 heading into the final period.

Third Period

The Americans faced another setback early in the third when defenseman Jaxen Adam did not return, leaving the already shorthanded roster even thinner in the final game of the weekend.

Portland took control of the period, dominating the first ten minutes and flipping the momentum from what had been a competitive second.

Tri-City managed just three shots on goal in the third period.

With seconds remaining, Ryan Miller sealed the game with an empty-net goal to make it 3–1.

Postgame / What’s Next

Tri-City drops two crucial points, and their playoff situation is becoming increasingly difficult. Seattle now sits four points ahead of the Americans and has a game in hand with the final playoff spot.

The schedule also presents challenges down the stretch. Just two of Tri-City’s final six games will be played at home.

Next up, the Americans head north of the border for a Wednesday night matchup against the Kamloops Blazers, who have won back-to-back games. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 PM.

With Jaxen Adam unable to return in the third period, Tri-City is now down six players as injuries continue to mount.

Portland outshot Tri-City 33–27 on the night. The Americans went 1-for-3 on the power play, while the Winterhawks were 0-for-2.