Tuesday's WHL Playoff Roundup

CHIEFS DOWN ‘CANES IN O/T, TAKE 3-0 SERIES LEAD -- Rookie Tyler Johnson scored 6:20 into overtime to lift the visiting Spokane Chiefs to a 2-1 victory over the Lethbridge Hurricanes in Game 3 of the 2008 WHL Championship series on Tuesday, May 6th, in Lethbridge, AB.

It was Johnson’s second game-winning goal of the post-season for the Chiefs, who held a 26-23 edge over the Hurricanes in shots on goal in the contest.

With the win, the Chiefs take a commanding 3-0 lead over the Hurricanes in the best-of-seven series, leaving them one victory away from winning the 2008 WHL Championship and the Ed Chynoweth Cup.

Chiefs’ captain Chris Bruton – with his third goal of the playoffs – tied the game at 1-1 with only 2:04 left to play in the third period. Dustin Tokarski made 22 saves to record his 15th win of the 2008 playoffs.

Dwight King scored the game’s opening goal in the dying seconds of the second period to give the Hurricanes a 1-0 lead. Juha Metsola made 24 saves in a losing cause for the ‘Canes, who were held scoreless on three power play chances in the contest. The defeat leaves the Hurricanes needing four straight wins in order to claim the 2008 WHL Championship and a spot in the 2008 MasterCard Memorial Cup in Kitchener, ONT.

The Hurricanes will host the Chiefs for Games 4 and 5, if necessary, of the 2008 WHL championship series on Wednesday and Friday in Lethbridge, AB.

Best-of-seven Series: Spokane Chiefs lead Lethbridge Hurricanes 3-0