Imagine having a month before the end of the regular season and knowing that if you just let it ride, you’re guaranteed a playoff spot. Such is the case with the Portland Winterhawks this past week, where they not only clinched a spot but hammered some hapless foes along the way.
Portland started things off with a date in Portland vs the Thunderbirds. They handed the Thunderbirds a 4-1 loss but could have been much worse with a 51-18 shot advantage; Scott Razlaff was kept very busy in the Seattle net, giving up a pair to Gabe Klassen and James Stefan. The next evening, it was a shooting gallery for Portland as they battled the Everett Silvertips, who were vying for the top spot in the US Division. You would wonder as the Hawks pounded Everett 10-2 on only 36 shots to Everett’s 32. Jack O’Brien netted a hattrick and saw a pair from Gabe Klassen, singles by Nate Danielson, James Stefan, Marcus Nguyen, Kyle Chyzowski, and Luca Cagnoni. The powerplay netted a single goal on three tries versus Everett at 1-5, but it was also two shorthanded markers to fill the goal coffers.
Portland then headed north for a home and home with Vancouver Giants. The winning streak was stopped at 3-1 due to some solid goaltending by Vancouver’s Brett Mirwald, who stopped 37 of 38 in the win, and he was even credited with an assist on Vancouver’s second goal. Vancouver had just 25 shots.
The next night back in Portland, it was a different Winterhawks team. Portland pounded 54 shots on goal and, at one point, had built up a 7-0 lead. They let Vancouver back in the game, finally winning 8-3. Along the way, there were two powerplay goals, but they had 12 chances, meaning Vancouver was getting frustrated. After a stellar performance, the Giants used backup Matthew Hutchison to face the barrage full-on.
Portland then went on a three-game road swing starting in Everett. Though Portland outshot Everett 34-27, the Tips scored once in the first, one in the second, and then a pair in the third period, including an empty net tally. The Hawks were shut out for the first time this season and headed to Victoria for two games on the Island.
Victoria scored first and brought the home crowd up just over seven minutes into the game. The Hawks then took over. The Hawks silenced the home crowd with six straight goals by five different players. Only James Stefan put up two goals—singles by Gabe Klassen, Marcus Nguyen, Josh Zakreski, and Tyson Jugnauth. Braden Holt played the whole game for Victoria, facing 53 shots, and Jan Spunar for Portland, who faced just 16.
The next night, the same team met up with Spunar for Portland and Jayden Kraus for Victoria. Like the previous night, the shots favored Portland at 45-21. Unlike the last night, Portland scored first, and only after their second goal did Victoria get their pair to tie it up. Then, once again, it was all Portland. Braden Holt worked the third period, surrendering a goal on 13 shots.
Portland relinquished the top spot in the Western Conference to the Prince George Cougars but still has two games in hand and is two points back. Everett is the closest to Portland, one point back, but gives up four games in hand.
Saskatoon Blades lead in the overall standings at 89 points, eight more than Portland, though the Hawks have a game in hand. Portland will now play four non-US Division teams as they face Moose Jaw Warriors and Regina Pats, then the Victoria Royals before heading up to Kamloops to face the Blazers. After this, they will face only US Division teams as they finish the regular season.
The latest CHL ranking sees Saskatoon Blades atop the rankings for the third week straight. In second is the Baie-Comeau Drakkar of the QMJHL. London Knights of the OHL are third, followed by Drummondville Voltigeurs of the QMJHL. The Saginaw Spirit, who will host the Memorial Cup as the first non-Canadian city in decades, is fifth. Prince George Cougars and Portland Winterhawks are next, with Everett Silvertips and Victoriaville Tigres of the QMJHL rounding out the top 10.
Portland now sits at 269 goals, 15 more than the closest opposition, and 12 games to go in the regular season. The goal watch is on!
