Donovan Neuls scored 14 seconds into overtime to give the Seattle Thunderbirds a 2-1 win over the Regina Pats in Game 1 of the WHL championship series at the Brandt Centre in Saskatchewan.<\/p>\n
Mathew Barzal took a wrist shot that came off Regina goalie Tyler Brown to Ethan Bear at the right point. Bear took a slap shot that hit the cross bar and dropped into the crease. Neuls poked the loose puck into the net for the winning goal.<\/p>\n
Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is 6 p.m. Saturday at the Brandt Centre.<\/p>\n
Seattle goalie Carl Stankowski made 31 saves to get the win and improve his playoff record to 13-2.<\/p>\n
Regina outshot Seattle 11-8 in the first period.<\/p>\n
Seattle took a 1-0 lead at 4:55 of the second period on a four-on-three power-play goal from Bear. Barzal had the puck in the left circle and crossed it to Bear just inside the top of the right circle. Bear took a slap shot that beat Brown over the blocker. Ryan Gropp had the second assist on the goal.<\/p>\n
Both teams had eight shots on goal in the second period. Regina led 19-16 in shots after two periods.<\/p>\n
Regina tied the game 1-1 at 12:11 of the third period on a power-play goal by Connor Hobbs. Dawson Leedahl and Sam Steel had the assists.<\/p>\n
The Pats outshot the T-Birds 13-9 in the third period and led 32-25 in shots after two periods.<\/p>\n
Regina outshot Seattle 32-26 in the game.<\/p>\n
Brown finished the game with 24 saves on 26 shots.<\/p>\n
SERIES GLANCE<\/strong><\/p>\n WHL Championship<\/p>\n Regina vs. Seattle<\/p>\n Game 1 – Seattle 2, at Regina 1, OT<\/p>\n Game 2 – Seattle at Regina Saturday, May 6, 6 p.m.<\/p>\n Game 3 – Regina at Seattle, Tuesday, May 9, 7:05 p.m.<\/p>\n Game 4 – Regina at Seattle, Wednesday, May 10, 7:05 p.m.<\/p>\n Game 5 – Regina at Seattle, Friday, May 12, 7:35 p.m.*<\/p>\n Game 6 – Seattle at Regina, Sunday, May 14, 5 p.m.*<\/p>\n Game 7 – Seattle at Regina, Monday, May 15, 6 p.m.*<\/p>\n *if necessary<\/p>\n TICKETS<\/strong><\/p>\n Game 3 is a Directors Mortgage 2-for-Tuesday game that will feature two-for-one tickets in all price levels and $2 concession specials on hot dogs, popcorn and soda and two-for-one beer purchases.<\/p>\n Game 4 of the WHL Championship is a White Out Wednesday game on May 10. Wear your favorite white T-Birds jersey or T-shirt.<\/p>\n