One night after securing a 1-0 series lead in overtime, the Chiefs nearly forced another extra session with a late flurry. But Corbin Baldwin's last second shot found the net just after time expired, as Tri-City evened the series with a 2-1 win.
The Americans led 2-0 in the third period, following an Adam Hughesman tally in the first period, followed by a Justin Feser score with 15:59 remaining in regulation.
A desperate Spokane rally resulted in a Mitch Holmberg goal with 1:25 left on the clock. Holmberg's 8th goal of the postseason came with the Chiefs playing two-men up, on a powerplay with goalie Eric Williams out of the net.
In the closing seconds Baldwin took a slapshot from the point, which got past Tri-City goalie Ty Rimmer. What initially appeared to be an overtime-forcing goal, was later waived by officials, who said that time expired before the puck reached the goal.
The series is now tied 1-1, as the action shifts to Spokane for Games 3 and 4, beginning Wednesday at 7:05 p.m.
