Gal's goal lifts Chiefs past Ams in OT

KENNEWICK, Wash. - Blake Gal scored 5 minutes, 10 seconds into overtime, and the Spokane Chiefs overcame another meltdown late in regulation to defeat the Tri-City Americans 4-3 on Thursday night before 3,384 at Toyota Center to take a 3-1 lead in their best-of-7 first-round Western Hockey League playoff series.

Game 5 is Saturday night in Kennewick.

Gal took a pass from Alessio Bertaggia, broke in down the seam and beat Tri-City goalie Troy Trombley top shelf to the glove side. Bertaggia had three assists, giving him six in the playoffs.

Tri-City scored twice in the last 5:10 of regulation to force overtime. Drydn Dow's goal at 17:17 tied it at 3.

Todd Fiddler and Adem Helewka each had a goal and assist for Spokane, which outshot Tri-City 47-32.