Division-leading Portland tops Chiefs in OT

| January 24, 2011 8:00 PM

PORTLAND, Ore. - Nino Niederreiter scored on a backhand from the low right slot 4 minutes, 24 seconds into overtime, lifting the U.S. Division-leading Portland Winterhawks past the Spokane Chiefs 6-5 in Western Hockey League play Sunday night before 2,649 at Memorial Coliseum.

Levko Koper of Spokane tied the game on the power play with 5:34 left in regulation, poking in the puck off a scramble in front of the net. He had two goals in the game, giving him six in the last four games.

Brenden Kichton scored two goals for Spokane. Jared Cowen gave the Chiefs a 2-0 lead after 15 minutes, but Portland scored the next four goals.

Chiefs goalkeeper James Reid gave up four goals on 18 shots and was pulled after 27:51.

Spokane (29-12-4-2, 64 points), now three points back of Portland in second place in the division, opens a three-game homestand Wednesday vs. Everett at the Spokane Arena.