KENNEWICK — The Everett Silvertips played like the No. 8 seed from the Western Conference, and the Tri-City Americans played like the top seed.

The Americans dominated the opening game of the best-of-seven Western Hockey League series Friday night, beating Everett 7-2.

Tri-City outshot Everett 42-16, including a 12-3 edge in the third period.

The Americans didn't take long to assert their dominance, grabbing a 3-0 lead before the midway point of the first period.

Everett's Ryan Murray scored to make it 3-1 at the 10:27 mark of the first period, but that was as close as the Silvertips got.

JT Barnett scored Everett's other goal.

The teams play Game 2 of the series Saturday night in Kennewick.