Another win in Spokane helps Portland get even

Winterhawks improve to 6-0 on Chiefs' home ice; Game 5 tonight at Arena

SPOKANE - The Portland Winterhawks remained unbeaten in Spokane this season following a 4-2 victory over the Chiefs in Game 4 of their Western Hockey League playoff series, evening their best-of-seven Western Conference opener at two games apiece Friday night in front of 5,718 at the Spokane Arena.

With the win, the Winterhawks, who received 29 saves from Mac Carruth, have now beaten the Chiefs all six times in Spokane.

Portland jumped out to a 2-0 lead after the first period and extended the lead to 3-0 on a power-play goal from Chris Francis at the start of the second period. It was the center's second goal of the game.

Former Coeur d'Alene Laker Tyler Johnson scored a power-play goal in the second to pull the Chiefs within 3-1. Kyle Beach scored his team-leading fourth goal of the series in the third period, but Spokane could not rally late following another Winterhawks goal early in the third.

Spokane was 2 of 4 on the power play, while Portland converted on 1 of 4 chances with the man advantage.

James Reid had 28 saves for Spokane before being pulled in favor of backup Michael Tadjdeh with 7:34 remaining.

Spokane hosts Game 5 tonight at 7.