Winterhawks continue early-season mastery of Chiefs

PORTLAND – The problems for the Spokane Chiefs continued on Tuesday night, at least in games against the Portland Winterhawks.

Kieffer Bellows scored the only goal the Winterhawks would need at the 6-minute, 40-second mark of the first period and Portland (6-1) handed the Chiefs (4-4) their first shutout loss of the season 3-0.

It was U.S. Division-leading Portland’s third straight win over Spokane and left the third-place Chiefs four points behind the Winterhawks. Seattle moved into second place in the East Division with a 3-2 shootout win over Vancouver on Wednesday.

The biggest problem early in the season for the Chiefs is scoring when they have a man advantage.

Spokane went 0 for 5 against Portland and has scored goals on just 2 of 39 power-play opportunities.

Alex Overhardt added a second-period goal when Portland was down a skater and Brad Ginnell capped the scoring for the Winterhawks with a third-period tally.

Spokane did manage to outshoot Portland 43-40 on the night.

Spokane begins a four-game homestand on Friday against against the B.C. Division-leading Victoria Royals (7-0).

Winterhawks goalie Cole Kehler stopped all 43 shots he faced.

Spokane goalie Dawson Weatherill turned back 37 of 40 shots.