[G-Force]

Western Conference Semifinal Game 1

vs

Portland got nothing out of Pierre Turgeon and has to deal with Frank Mahovlich out for the rest of the season with a ruptured UCL, which would seem to be a recipe for opposition success. But Calgary lacks sympathy as they wait for the hopeful return of Wayne Gretzky, who has missed nearly two months. In the Western Conference semifinal opener, the leading man ended up being a player who played only three games during the regular season. Andy McDonald scored twice for Portland in the second period and assisted Jimmy Thomson's eventual third-period game winner as the Pioneers took the first game of the series, 4-2. Tiny Thompson made 35 saves in the win.

Portland 4, Calgary 2 (Portland leads series 1-0)