Spurs Fly By Owls!

- The Nest - Portland, Oregon

Keith Tkachuk and the Spurs arrived in Portland looking to pick up where they left off last night in Dayton.

Tkachuk, who tallied a goal and an assist last night at the Soundstage in Dayton, continued his scoring touch tonight with a hat trick in leading the Spurs to a 6-2 win over the Owls of Portland.

The Spurs were down 2-1 after the 2nd period but came roaring back in the 3rd in scoring 5 unanswered goals. Tkachuk led the way with his hat trick, scoring the goals at 1:29 on the powerplay along with even strength goals at 6:53 and 19:28 to close out the scoring.

After the contest Tkachuk said, "I couldn't do it without Cavey and Hoss", referring to linemates Vincent Lecavalier and Marian Hossa each of whom recorded two assists in the contest.

That made it two hat tricks in two consecutive games for the Spurs and three consecutive road wins.
The road is being kind to the Spurs on this trip.

Marty Brodeur turned in another solid performance between the pipes for the Spurs in turning aside 27 of 29 shots.

Owls' netminder Niklas Backstrom was a little bent after the Spurs launched 53 shots on goal at him during the game with 20 coming in the 3rd period.
Backstrom turned in a fine performance considering the onslaught.

The Owls' goals were scored at 09:13 of the 2nd period by Lang on the powerplay with Vanek scoring one minute and 11 seconds later at 10:24 of the 2nd in giving the Owls the lead at the close of the 2nd period.

The Spurs next opponent is the Hamilton Predators back at the Coliseum in Denver on Saturday.
The Spurs hope to add to their 5 game unbeaten streak but it will be tough to do against a Predators squad who boast a 12-5 record in road contests this year.