SPOKANE - Blake Gal recorded his first career playoff hat trick as the Spokane Chiefs defeated the Chilliwack Bruins 6-4 to win their opening round Western Hockey League playoff series 4-1 on Saturday night in front of 5,352 at the Spokane Arena.

Spokane advances to face Tri-City in the Western Conference semifinals starting Saturday at the Spokane Arena.

Gal scored the eventual game-winner with 6:55 remaining in the third to break a 4-4 tie.

Levko Koper scored an empty netter with 19 seconds remaining to go along with two assists.

James Reid had 21 saves for Spokane, which outshot Chilliwack 43-25.

Former Coeur d'Alene Laker Tyler Johnson is expected to return to the Chiefs' lineup for the Tri-City series after missing the final two games of the Chilliwack series with a concussion.