Adam Beckman’s overtime goal caps Chiefs’ late rally at Portland

PORTLAND – Adam Beckman’s power-play goal 4 minutes, 39 seconds into overtime capped Spokane’s rally from a 3-1 third-period deficit Wednesday night as the Chiefs pushed Portland to the brink of elimination in their first-round Western Hockey League playoff series, stunning the Winterhawks 4-3 at Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Eli Zummack scored with a minute left in regulation, forcing overtime. Spokane’s Ty Smith opened the scoring just 31 seconds into the first period. Luke Toporowski’s goal 3:25 into the third period cut Portland’s advantage to 3-2.

Josh Paterson scored twice, giving the Winterhawks the lead with 1:30 left in the opening period after Brendan De Jong’s goal midway though the period had tied it, and giving Portland a two-goal margin at the 7:46 mark of the second.

Jake McGrew and Jaret Anderson-Dolan had two assists apiece for Spokane, McGrew and Ethan McIndoe set up Beckman’s winner, his third goal of the series.

Bailey Brkin turned away 35 shots for the victory and Winterhawks goalie Joel Hofer made 33 saves in defeat.

The Chiefs lead the best-of-seven series 3-1 and can oust the Winterhawks on Saturday night at the Arena at 7:05.