Blazers lose series opener to Winterhawks after four unanswered goals

An early goal was not enough for the Kamloops Blazers in the WHL Western Conference Final against the Portland Winterhawks.

The Blazers lost to the Winterhawks 4-1 in Portland in the series opener.

Fourth-line Blazer Joe Kornelsen put one past Winterhawks goalie Mac Carruth just 2:10 into the first period, taking an early lead.

But the Winterhawks responded late in the first period with two goals – the first by Taylor Leier and the second by Ty Rattie on a short-handed penalty shot after a slashing call on Blazer Joel Edmundson.

The teams traded chances in a scoreless second period with the shots also even at 13 each.

Portland took control early in the third as Captain Troy Rutkowski put one past Blazer goaltender Cole Cheveldave on a rebound 3:17 into the final frame.

A goal by Brendan Leipsic with six minutes left sealed the fate of the Blazers making it 4-1 Portland.

Tensions built and seven penalties were handed out in the last two minutes including a five-minute checking from behind major to Rattie, leaving his status in question for game two.

Seven penalties were handed out leaving the Blazers on a powerplay, but unable to capitalize.

The Blazers were 0 for 5 on the powerplay while the Winterhawks were 1 for 3.

Kamloops was outshot 41-34.

The Winterhawks take the lead in the series 1-0 heading into game two in Portland 7 p.m. Saturday night.

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