Kennewick, WA. The Tri-City Americans (2-2-0-0) were fresh off of a great come-from-behind win against the Everett Silvertips in their home opener this past Saturday. They were trying to remain undefeated at home on Tuesday night against the visiting Seattle Thunderbirds (2-1-0-1). What would ensue was a defensive battle between two very familiar teams.
Nine shots on goal…total…and three power plays (2 for Seattle, 1 for Tri-City) were about the only thing that transpired during the opening frame. The Americans, playing their first game with power forward Michael Rasmussen in the lineup this season, had the majority of the quality chances. Puck movement and the ability to keep it in the offensive zone gave Tri-City the edge for the period but the score remained tied at zero heading into the break.
The second period started a little faster. Around 1:30 into the frame, Rasmussen made his presence felt on the Americans second power play opportunity of the evening. After Seattle goaltender Matt Berlin made the initial save, Rasmussen was able to get his stick on the loose puck for his first of the season. The Americans had the lead, but it was still anyone’s game. With just over nine minutes left in the period, Seattle was able to get the equalizer. Seattle forward Nolan Volcan took a great pass from Sami Moilanen just in front of the crease and fired a quick one-timer past Tri-City net-minder Patrick Dea.
Tie game. Despite the goal against, Dea finished the period with some amazing in close saves on several Seattle offensive frenzies. Seattle won the period in terms of quality chances, but the score would remain tied at one.
The third period started with a friendly reminder; though Seattle is a different looking team this year personnel wise, they still know how to capitalize on mistakes. Thunderbirds center Noah Phillip picked up a Tri-City giveaway just inside the Americans defensive zone and skated in all alone for his first of the year. Seattle was keeping Tri-City on the perimeter and minimizing defensive mistakes and most importantly, had the 2-1 lead. With just a few minutes left in the period, Tri-City began to buzz and press. Americans forward Carson Focht,
who was just listed on NHL Central Scouting’s list of players to watch for the 2018 draft, buried a tough angle shot just over Berlin’s shoulder to tie the game. Just like in the previous game against Everett, the Americans were able to come from behind to tie the game late. Unlike that game, however, they were unable to win it in regulation. The game headed to overtime.
Overtime solved nothing as both teams went with very conservative approaches, waiting for their chances to develop. For the most part they did not. The game was headed to a shootout. Both Dea and Berlin had been solid in their respective nets all night, so the question was who would crack first. That question was answered on Tri-City’s first attempt as forward Morgan Geekie was able to use a few slick moves to bury the puck just past Berlin’s left pad. It was all Tri-City would need to win the shootout, as none of Seattle’s shooters were able to convert. The Americans walked away with the 3-2 shootout victory. Shots were 29-25 in favor of Seattle. Tri-City was 1-for-3 on the power play while Seattle was unable to convert on any of its three man advantages. Tri-City will travel north to play back-to-back games in Vancouver this weekend. Seattle plays Portland on Saturday.
Seattle’s captain Turner Ottenbreit was scratched as he missed the first of six games to a suspension. The suspension, finalized earlier today, was for a hit he put on Portland’s Joachim Blichfeld in Seattle’s last game.
