The Tri-City Americans battled back from a 3-1 deficit and earned the full two points as Jesse McKinnon scored in the seventh round of the shootout, capping off a thrilling win in the final home game before Christmas.
First Period
Seattle struck first seemingly out of nowhere in the second meeting between the two teams this season, and the first since opening night back in September.
In his Western Hockey League debut, Matthew Hilderman fired an off-balance shot from the high slot that deflected off Tri-City defenseman David Byrne and into the net for his first career WHL goal.
Tri-City would then get the first power play of the game and looked to score with the man advantage for a second straight night after Hilderman was called for a double-minor for slew footing.
Unfortunately for Hilderman, who had just scored his first career WHL goal, he was unable to put much pressure on his right leg following an awkward collision below the goal line. He headed down the tunnel and was unable to serve the penalty.
The Americans wasted no time capitalizing, as the Hilderman slew foot came right back to bite Seattle.
Off the draw, a loose puck in front was found by Savin Virk, who quickly backhanded it past Malinoski to tie the game.
That would do it for the opening frame, with both teams heading to the intermission tied. Tri-City finished the period 1-for-1 on the power play, making it back-to-back nights with a man-advantage goal. Seattle held a slight 10-8 edge in shots.
Second Period
Tri-City began the second period shorthanded after Grady Martin was called for roughing at the end of the first.
Seattle capitalized late in the power play, taking a 2-1 lead early in the period.
Cameron Kuzma sent a pass from the far boards to Grayson Tash at the point, who unloaded a one-timer that went bar down on Ryan Grout. The goal marked Tash’s first career WHL tally, giving Seattle two players with first career goals in the contest.
Penalty trouble continued for Tri-City as the period went on. Jesse McKinnon was called for holding along the boards during the forecheck. Shortly after the Americans killed that penalty, Charlie Elick flipped the puck out of play under pressure in the Tri-City zone, but that infraction was quickly negated when Coster Dunn clipped Gavin Garland with a high stick.
Seattle extended its lead to 3-1 late in the period on a play that appeared questionable for offside but was not reviewed.
Simon Lovsin carried the puck in along the right wing, with Matej Pekar barely staying onside by extending his leg back. Lovsin fired a shot from the boards that produced a large rebound, which popped out to the slot and right onto Pekar’s stick for the finish.
Connor Dale would respond late in the period, cutting the deficit to one thanks to his blazing speed.
Dale kicked into another gear through center ice, blowing past both Seattle defensemen for a breakaway. He waited until the last possible moment before going forehand and lifting the puck over a sprawled Malinoski.
After forty minutes, Seattle held a 3-2 lead while outshooting Tri-City 20-17.
Third Period
The third period was largely back-and-forth, with neither side generating much sustained pressure. That changed when Cruz Pavao tied the game on his Bobblehead Night, swinging momentum firmly in Tri-City’s favor.
Pavao worked his way into the slot and snapped a shot that appeared to be tipped on its way to the net, beating Malinoski at 11:32 for his 11th goal of the season.
Tri-City earned a late power play but couldn’t convert in regulation, sending the game to overtime with some power-play time still remaining.
Overtime
Overtime produced just two total shots between both teams, and Tri-City headed to its first shootout of the season.
Shootout
Cruz Pavao opened the shootout for Tri-City and went to his signature forehand-backhand move to give the Americans an early lead after Ryan Grout made the opening save.
Seattle answered in the second round as Antonio Martorana came straight down the middle, slowed in front of the net, and beat Grout glove side.
After several scoreless rounds, rookie Jesse McKinnon stepped up in the seventh round.
McKinnon started slowly but picked up speed down the right wing, cut to the middle, and beat Malinoski blocker side.
Brendan Rudolph attempted to extend the shootout to an eighth round for Seattle but was denied by Grout, sealing the win for Tri-City in their final home game before Christmas.
Postgame / What’s Next
Tri-City head coach Jody Hull discussed the team’s shootout preparation following their first appearance of the season.
“We haven’t done much of it actually, not that we haven’t thought about it. It’s just one of those things. Do we really need to work on it? I mean, it’s just another thing to add to practice. But with that being said, we got a huge goal from a young guy at an opportune time, which was really nice to see.”
The Americans wrapped up back-to-back wins at the end of a demanding stretch, playing their sixth game in nine days.
Hull also reflected on the shootout victory.
“I thought we were flat tonight, honestly. You know, they didn’t play last night, so they had a little bit of energy. But you know, at the end of the day we’ve found a way to get two points and get the win. Took a little bit extra, but I’m happy with our overall entire weekend.”
With the win, Tri-City improves to 15-13-2 and moves into eighth place in the Western Conference standings.
The Americans have now scored power-play goals in back-to-back games after going 2-for-28 prior to Saturday night.
Tri-City will play one more game before the Winter Break, traveling to Kamloops for a Wednesday night matchup.
Hull shared what it will take to keep the team focused with the break approaching.
“It’s going to be hard, but with that being said, we got a chance to go and win a game on Wednesday and continue to move up in the standings. I think that’s what is important, and that should be there motivation.”
