Game 7: Tri-City vs. Victoria

The Victoria Royals are at Toyota Center for the first of two visits this year. They return Feb. 8.

Talking with the Victoria coaching staff, taking the ferry to the island is not cheap. You can walk on for $15, but two people in a car is $80 — one way. Who only knows what it costs to take the bus over. Note to Americans: It would be best for my playoff budget to play on the mainland. Anywhere.

Eric Comrie is in goal tonight for the Americans. It is his third consecutive start. He's given up just one goal in his last 72 shots on goal over two games. Impressive. Tri-City is at Everett on Sunday. Wonder if Brenden Fiebelkorn will see some time in the crease.

Jesse Mychan (lower body), Sam Grist (upper body), Brodie Clowes (upper body) are scratched for the Americans, as are Malte Strömwall (upper body), who started the game last night, but did not finish, and Clint Filbrandt, who is a healthy scratch.

Americans forward Brian Williams is one point from 25 for his WHL career. Brian is a scrappy kid for being all of 5-8, 170. He had no problem tossing his gloves down Friday and willing to take on Lethbridge's Daniel Johnston, who stands 6-1 and tips the scales at 210 pounds. I would have put money on Brian.

Jim Hiller is 6 wins shy of 150 with the Americans. Won't take long to get to that number, but with the Americans on the road after tonight until Oct. 27, we may not get to celebrate the milestone with him.

Jared Rathjen will start in goal for the Royals tonight, while Jordan Fransoo, Steven Hodges (lower body) and Taylor Crunk are scratched.

Just a note: the Royals are undefeated when leading after the first and the second periods. The Americans are 3-0 when leading at the end of the second. Should be an interesting game.

With former Spokane goalie Mac Engel available to the highest bidder, teams like Vancouver and Saskatoon should see what they have to offer for his rights. Saskatoon would be a nice place to go — the Blades host the Memorial Cup this year.

Puck drops in 5 minutes. Follow me throughout the game on Twitter: @tchicequeen

This story was originally published October 6, 2012 at 6:37 PM with the headline "Game 7: Tri-City vs. Victoria."