MELBOURNE, Iowa (Interstat) — The Vancouver Giants, defying pregame projections, erupted for three third-period goals to secure a 4-2 victory over the Tri-City Americans in a Western Hockey League matchup Tuesday night at Toyota Center.

A crowd of 3,314 watched the Giants improve to 22-37 overall, while the Americans fell to 25-33. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a 2-1 Tri-City victory, with its ELO system giving the Americans a 57.3 percent probability to win.

The game’s opening minute set a physical tone, with Tri-City’s Jaxen Adam sent off for roughing just 31 seconds in. Vancouver capitalized on the early power play at the 4:41 mark when Jakob Oreskovic, stationed in front, converted a feed from defenseman Kaleb Hartmann for his 11th goal of the season.

The Americans answered late in the period. With Vancouver’s Sam Charko serving a tripping penalty, Tri-City center Gavin Garland netted his 14th of the year, assisted by Grady Martin, to tie the game at 1-1 heading into the first intermission.

A penalty-filled second period saw four minors called but no goals, as both teams failed to break the deadlock despite chances.

Vancouver seized control early in the final frame. Defenseman Ryan Lin, named the Giants’ top star, broke the tie at 9:16 of the third, wiring a shot for his 13th goal. Just 1:35 later, fellow defenseman Ethan Mittelsteadt made it 3-1, scoring his third of the season with an assist from Braydon Riggall.

Hartmann then put the game out of reach at 15:48, finishing a play set up by Oreskovic for his fourth goal. Tri-City’s Alexander Laing scored a late power-play goal with just eight seconds remaining, assisted by Garland, to provide the final margin.

Lin, a defenseman from Richmond, British Columbia, finished with a goal and an assist along with a game-high eight shots on goal. Oreskovic, a left wing from Langley, British Columbia, recorded a goal and two assists. Hartmann, also from Langley, had a goal and an assist. Garland led Tri-City with a goal and an assist.

The game featured 10 combined penalties. Tri-City’s Adam took two minors, while Vancouver’s Oreskovic also spent four minutes in the box.

The victory gave Vancouver a split of the four-game season series, with each team winning twice. Their previous meeting on Jan. 9 also required overtime, with the Giants prevailing 4-3 at home.

Vancouver looks to build on the win Friday when they visit the Kelowna Rockets. Tri-City aims to rebound Friday at home against the Seattle Thunderbirds.