The Portland Winterhawks are halfway through the 2024-2025 WHL season, and there’s plenty to unpack. From dominating wins to a brutal road trip that left them reeling, the Winterhawks have had an eventful season. But as the playoffs draw closer, questions loom—can they find consistency in their play? Will they lock down a solid position in the standings? Let’s break it all down.
Where They Stand
Portland currently sits third in the US Division and fourth in the Western Conference. With 25 wins in 44 games, they’re holding their own in one of the toughest schedules. It hasn’t been a smooth ride, but the team shows grit and resilience, two traits they’ll need for the stretch run.
Strengths of the Winterhawks
1. Offensive Firepower
The Winterhawks’ offense has been a bright spot this season. Led by players like Josh Zakreski and Diego Buttazzoni, the team has consistently found the back of the net. Whether it’s executing on the power play or closing out tight games, Portland’s top forwards have carried the scoring load.
Recent hockey games have highlighted their ability to score in bursts, as seen in their battles against Tri-City and Wenatchee. If they can keep up the offensive momentum, they’ll be a threat to any team in the playoffs.
2. Emerging Stars
Young players like Joel Plante, who recently notched his first WHL goal, and 16-year-old Luke Wilfley are stepping up and making an impact. This infusion of youth adds depth to the roster and provides hope for continued success beyond this season. The development of fresh talent is always a good sign for a team aiming for a deep playoff run.
3. Resilience Under Pressure
Portland’s ability to bounce back after tough losses is commendable. After a punishing road trip that ended with a 10-1 drubbing by Swift Current, they rebounded with back-to-back wins against division rivals. That kind of mental toughness will be crucial as the stakes get higher.
Weaknesses Exposed
1. Defensive Gaps
For all their offensive ability, the Winterhawks have struggled on the defensive end. Their 10-1 loss to Swift Current was a glaring example of how things can unravel when the defensive structure breaks down. Even in tighter games, lapses in coverage and struggles with penalty killing have been recurring issues.
2. Goaltending Consistency
The goaltending tandem has shown flashes of brilliance but also significant inconsistency. Managing the workload between Ondrej Stebetak and Marek Schlenker will be key to stabilizing the team in high-pressure situations. One bad night between the pipes in the playoffs could spell disaster.
3. Power Play and Penalty Kill Disparity
While the power play has had its moments (notably going 4-for-8 against Wenatchee), the penalty kill has left much to be desired. Allowing Everett to go 3-for-6 on the power play in a recent matchup is just one example of lapses that could haunt them in crucial games.
Playoff Hopes and Challenges Ahead
The Winterhawks have ~20 games remaining on their schedule, half of which will be played at home. That home-ice advantage could help secure important points down the stretch. Key matchups against division rivals like Spokane and Everett will likely determine their seeding heading into the postseason.
Portland’s playoff outlook is promising but uncertain. They’re well-positioned to make the playoffs, likely as the third or fourth seed in the Western Conference. However, their ability to advance beyond the first round will hinge on fixing their defensive issues and getting reliable goaltending. A deep playoff run isn’t out of the question, but consistency will be the ultimate test.
The Winterhawks may not be at the same level as the Oilers yet, but with their current roster and potential for growth, who knows what the future holds? Suppose they continue rising through the ranks of their league and build a strong following, fans can expect them to feature more on sportsbooks like Fanduel and the NHL odds by FanDuel.
The Bottom Line
The Portland Winterhawks have had their ups and downs, but the season is far from over. With young talent emerging, a potent offense, and a fighting spirit, there’s reason for optimism. However, to make a deep playoff run, they’ll need to solidify their defense, find consistency in the net, and capitalize on special teams.
The second half of the season will be a litmus test for this team. Can they tighten up and hit their stride when it matters most? One thing’s for sure—Winterhawks fans are in for an exciting finish.
