Giants Edge Americans 2-1
Kennewick, WA- For the second straight game, the Tri-City Americans (3-4-1-0, 7 pts) scored the first goal of the game. But the Vancouver Giants (4-3-1-1, 10 pts) answered with two goals, and held on late to earn a 2-1 win over the Americans in front of 4,824 at Pacific Coliseum on Friday Night.
The Americans came out flying, peppering Vancouver goaltender Payton Lee with shots. Tri-City broke through 7:49 into the first on the power play. Parker Bowles fired a cross ice pass to Brian Williams, beating Lee short side to put the Americans ahead 1-0. Vancouver answered with a goal late in the first period, as a 3-on-1 allowed Carter Popoff to score, evening the game going into the second period.
Vancouver gained the momentum throughout the second period, and cashed in late in the second on the power play. Radovan Bondra fired a shot from the right faceoff circle that deflected off the post and in for a 2-1 lead after two periods.
Tri-City fought to tie the game in the third. The Americans had the shot advantage 9-6, and had a few solid chances to tie the game. But Vancouver held off the American storm and earned the win.
The Americans have lost three straight games and two straight against the B.C. Division.
Both the Giants and Americans were 1-of-3 on the power play and recorded 13 penalty minutes.
Payton Lee stopped 26 shots in the win. Nicholas Sanders made his first start of the season for the Americans and made 19 saves in the loss.
Tri-City will make the drive back to Kennewick, facing the Portland Winterhawks (2-5-0-0, 4 pts) this Saturday, Oct. 17. Game time is at 7:05 p.m. at the Toyota Center. The Americans were 1-9 against the Winterhawks last season, with the lone win coming at home, 4-2, in the final weekend of the season. Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster locations, including the Toyota Center Box Office, at any Fred Meyer outlet or online at Ticketmaster.com.
Jack in the Box Three Stars
1. Payton Lee, Vancouver
2. Brennan Menell, Vancouver
3. Parker Bowles, Tri-City
Notes: Parker Wotherspoon recorded an assist on the lone goal, extending his point streak to six games, and has an assist in five straight games.
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