Kennewick, WA – The Tri-City Americans (12-9-2-0) battled through third-period adversity before Connor Dale scored the go-ahead goal with 1:29 remaining, ending the Prince George Cougars’ (17-8-0-0) six-game winning streak with a 4-2 victory Saturday night at the Toyota Center.
Strong Goaltending Defines Scoreless First Period
A scoreless opening frame saw both goaltenders shine early. Ryan Grout and Alexander Levshyn combined for 24 saves in the first 20 minutes, setting the tone for a tight, physical game.
Tri-City Strikes Twice in the Second Period
Near the halfway mark of the second, the Americans opened the scoring. Fresh out of the penalty box after a four-on-four, Grady Martin joined the rush. Connor Dale protected the puck on his backhand down the right wing and slid a pass across the crease to Martin, who buried his third goal of the season at 9:39.
Six minutes later, Tri-City extended the lead on the power play. Savin Virk sent a cross-ice pass to Gavin Garland, who dropped to one knee and hammered a one-timer past Levshyn for his seventh goal of the year, making it 2-0.
Cougars Cut the Lead Late in the Second
Penalty trouble cost the Americans late in the period. After killing off a brief five-on-three, the Cougars finally broke through when Dmitri Yakutsenak beat Grout over the glove from the slot with 1:20 left. Tri-City entered the third holding a 2-1 lead despite being outshot 24-15.
Shorthanded Goal Allows Cougars to Tie It
Tri-City nearly restored their two-goal cushion during a third-period power play, but instead the Cougars capitalized. Unable to control the puck in the offensive zone, the Americans were pressured by Prince George.
Terik Parascak forced a turnover and fed Lee Shurgot cutting down the slot for a breakaway. Shurgot beat Grout over the blocker, tying the game 2-2 with a shorthanded strike.
Dale’s Late Goal Lifts Tri-City to Victory
With the game tied in the final minutes, Connor Dale delivered the decisive moment. Charlie Elick fired a point shot that was stopped, but Dale pounced on the rebound and backhanded it past Levshyn with 1:29 on the clock, putting the Americans back on top.
Prince George pulled the goalie in the final minute, but Virk sealed the win with a long-range empty-net goal from his own blue line.
Americans Extend Win Streak to Four
The victory marked Tri-City’s fourth straight win—their longest streak of the season. They now look to make it five in a row on Wednesday when they host the Swift Current Broncos (8-16-1-0).
Announced attendance: 3,210