WHL Roundup: Ratzlaff makes 45 saves, Thunderbirds upset Silvertips in Game 1
EVERETT - Scott Ratzlaff stopped 45 shots to help the Seattle Thunderbirds hang on for a 3-2 victory over the Everett Silvertips in the Western Hockey League playoffs on Friday.
The Thunderbirds took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven first-round series.
Seattle had a 30-33-5 record during the regular season for 65 points, the least of any team in the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Everett led the WHL with 104 points and a 48-12-8 record.
Hayden Pakkala, Brayden Holberton and Simon Lovsin scored for Seattle.
Shea Busch and Tarin Smith replied for Everett, while Landon DuPont had two assists. Raiden LeGall made 31 saves.
HITMEN 4 BLADES 2
(Hitmen lead best-of-seven series 1-0)
CALGARY — Ethan Moore scored twice as the Calgary Hitmen defeated the Saskatoon Blades.
HURRICANES 6 WHEAT KINGS 3
(Hurricanes lead best-of-seven series 1-0)
LETHBRIDGE, Alta. — Leo Braillard had two goals and an assist as the Lethbridge Hurricanes downed the Brandon Wheat Kings.
ROYALS 3 AMERICANS 0
(Royals lead best-of-seven series 1-0)
VICTORIA — Johnny Hicks earned a 22-save shutout as the Victoria Royals blanked the Tri-City Americans.
COUGARS 7 WINTERHAWKS 6 (OT)
(Cougars lead best-of-seven series 1-0)
PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. — Terik Parascak scored his second of the game in overtime as the Prince George Cougars edged the Portland Winterhawks.
OIL KINGS 3 RAIDERS 1
(Oil Kings lead best-of-seven series 1-0)
PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. — Gracyn Sawchyn scored twice, and the Edmonton Oil Kings defeated the Prince Albert Raiders.
TIGERS 4 BRONCOS 0
(Tigers lead best-of-seven series 1-0)
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