PORTLAND, Ore. - Levko Koper's power-play goal early in the second period proved to be the deciding goal as the Spokane Chiefs defeated the Portland Winterhawks 2-1 in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals on Friday night before 7,612 at the Rose Garden.

Spokane took a 1-0 lead on Brady Brassart's goal 2:11 into the game.

Portland's Ryan Johansen scored with 24 seconds remaining.

James Reid made 27 saves for Spokane, which outshot Portland 43-28.

Spokane was without former Coeur d'Alene Laker Tyler Johnson, who was suspended by the Western Hockey League after receiving a game misconduct for kneeing in Game 6 of the semifinal series with Tri-City.

He will be eligible to return for Game 2, scheduled for Sunday at 5 p.m. at Portland.