Winterhawks Lose in Penalty Shootout to Seattle, Remain Winless

Friday, October 03, 2014

David Cath, GoLocalPDX Contributor

Portland - The Portland Winterhawks lost to the Seattle Thunderbirds in a penalty shootout Friday night, remaining winless on the year at 0-5-0-1.

Portland took the lead at 9:53 in the first period. A steal in the defensive third from Winterhawk Layne Viveiros led to a breakaway for Evan Weinger, who put it past Seattle keeper Taran Kozun top shelf, glove-side.

The Winterhawks ended the first period with 13 shots on goal, compared to just two for Seattle.

Seattle's Nick Holowko evened the score at 1-1 at the 10:14 mark in the second period. Holowko connected on a one-timer from just across the blue line for his first goal of the season. Jared Hauf and Keegan Kolesar recorded an assist.

Portland took a 2-1 lead at 16:52 in the second period thanks to Oliver Bjorkstrand, who back-handed a shot stick-side over Kozun's shoulder as he attacked from the left side.

Seattle tied the game at 2-2 on a power play at 10:18 in the third period. Kolesar managed to muscle the puck in after a scuffle in front of the net, giving Seattle their 15th goal of the season. Mathew Barzal and Ethan Bear recorded an assist.

Portland took the lead again at the 17:13 mark behind Paul Bittner's top-corner, one-time shot in front of the net. Keegan Iverson and Layne Viverios recorded an assist.

It only took Seattle thirty seconds to tie it up at 3-3 in the third. Ryan Gropp netted home his first goal of the season at the 17:43 mark, with assists attributed to Bear and Barzal.

Both teams witnessed a scoreless overtime, leading to a penalty shootout. After overtime, Portland recorded 29 shots on goal, compared to Seattle's 24.

Seattle won the shootout (2-1) for their second win on the season (2-2-0-0). Portland is still winless on the season (0-5-0-1).