Updated Feb 4, 2012 - 12:47 pm
Game 50: Thunderbirds losing streak in Kennewick reaches 21
By Mike Caccioppoli
(36-12-1-1) Tri-City Americans 4, (18-30-1-1) Seattle Thunderbirds 1
KENNEWICK-The Thunderbirds played a competitive game for the first time in long while against the Americans in Kennewick but the result was the same as they drop their 21st straight game at the Toyota Center. It was the Birds 14th loss in their last 16 games overall.
No scoring in the first period. Both teams had some chances but not too many quality chances. The Americans led 7-6 in shots.
Just 46 seconds into the second period the Ams went up 1-0. Jesse Mychan scored his 7th goal of the season.
The Americans converted on their third power play of the game to take a 2-0 lead.Brendan Shinnimin scored his 30th goal of the season at 6:30.
Connor Honey (3) got Seattle on the board when he scored on the power play at 17:33. Assists went to Brendan Rouse and Luke Lockhart.
The Americans led 2-1 after 40 minutes. They also led 15-13 in shots.
Pickard was pulled in favor of the extra attacker with a minute left in the game but Seattle couldn't control play and Justin Feser (25) scored into the empty net to put the Ams up 3-1.
Seattle once again pulled Pickard and had a six on four advantage due to a Tri-City penalty and Justin Feser (26) scored again into the empty net for a shorthanded goal to finish off the scoring as the Birds lose 4-1.
Plus side:
In the game. That can't be said about most games in Kennewick for the Birds. This was essentially a one goal game until the empty net goals late.
Honey on the power play. Connor Honey continues to help the Birds power play with his latest tally.
Minus side:
No Finish. The Birds continue to not score. They don't get the second chances and don't bury the puck when they do have a chance.
18-20 year olds. The older players on the team have been under achieving all season and are well behind their production from last year.
Bad Streaks. Along with the 21 straight losses in Kennewick the Birds have lost 14 of their last 16 overall and their latest losing streak reached four.
Playoffs? Victoria has stormed past the Birds and now only Everett and Prince George are behind them in the standings.
Game Notes:
-F Jacob Doty, F Mitch Elliot and D Evan Wardley were healthy scratches.
-Seattle drops to 8-16-1 on the road. They are 1-6 against the Americans (1-2 home, 0-4 road).
-Calvin Pickard drops to 18-25-1-1. Eric Comrie improves to 16-4-1.
Thunderbirds second half record: 5-13-1
710Sports.com three stars:
First star: Brendan Shinnimin (goal, assist and + 2 rating)
Second star: Justin Feser (two goals, assist and + 2 rating)
Third star: Connor Honey (Power play goal)
The Thunderbirds play Saturday night at 7:05 pm at the ShoWare Center against the Kamloops Blazers. The action can be heard live at 710Sports.com.
Game summary is on the WHL website.
twitter @mike710espn
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