WHL Portland Winterhawks

Game Day Hub: March 9 at Victoria

Published on March 9, 2022 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release


Portland Winterhawks at Victoria Royals

Looking to bounce back from a frustrating Tuesday night loss, the Hawks take on the Royals in Victoria one more time before crossing the border on Thursday.

Puck Drop: 7:05 p.m. PT

Venue: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre - Victoria, BC

Uniforms: Red

Previous Meetings This Season: Portland is 0-1-1-0 Against Victoria

Portland 3 @ Victoria 5 (Mar 8 2022)

Victoria 5 @ Portland 4 (Dec 4 2021) OT

Listen Live: Winterhawks Radio Network and on the Winterhawks App.

Watch Live: WHL Live on CHL TV

Game Notes: Winterhawks Game Notes

Upcoming Promotional Games:

Saturday, March 12 - Mascot Night

Saturday, April 2 - Jersey Off Their Backs

Back on the horse

The Hawks put up 50 shots against Tyler Palmer and the Royals on Tuesday, but couldn't create enough dangerous opportunities to find the tying goal in the third period. And at the other end, each Portland mistake was punished by Tarun Fizer and Bailey Peach.

"We did some good things as a team, but they have some top-end players and we just need to be harder on them. I think that's kind of what drove their offense there. But tomorrow we're gonna watch video, get ready for the next game and we'll come prepared for sure," said defenseman Kurtis Smythe after notching his first-career multi-point game with two assists last night.

After scoring early in last night's tilt, the Hawks looked set to cruise once again. But errors caught up to them, and keeping the Royals' big guns quiet will be crucial in the rematch. Look for the team to play a more focused, 60-minute game tonight.

Traffic jammed

Much of Victoria's success in the win last night came between the pipes, as netminder Tyler Palmer posted some highlight-reel saves to keep his team in front in the third period. While we don't know who will get the start for the hosts this evening, the Hawks know they can do more to create traffic in front of Victoria's netminders, particularly on the power play. A high volume of shots created is great, but if the goalie can see the puck, he can certainly stop it. More traffic offers opportunities for deflections, rebounds or just a goal from the original shot as the goalie is screened.

Desperate times

At this time of year, games between teams like Portland, who has a playoff spot clinched, and Victoria, who is fighting for its right to the postseason, can often turn into upsets like last night's tilt. The Royals are a desperate team already playing playoff-style hockey to keep pace in the playoff race. The Hawks have sealed up their spot in the postseason, but need to maintain the same level of energy and desperation that they will see from their opponents this evening.

WIN A TOYOTA:

Back for another season, fans 18+ who reside in Oregon or Southwest Washington can ENTER TO WIN a brand new Toyota car, truck, or SUV.

Each game this season, one lucky fan will have their entry drawn and they will have a chance to win our grand prize if they get all five game predictions correct.

Tonight, we are cheering on: Hailey E. from Lake Oswego, OR

What our Hawks fan could win: A brand new Camry

What needs to happen?

Portland Winterhawks (4) beat the Victoria Royals (2)

Jaydon Dureau scores the first Winterhawks goal.

Portland goaltenders make 17 total saves.

Victoria goaltenders make 13 total saves.

Good luck tonight, Hailey!

Check out the Portland Winterhawks Statistics

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Western Hockey League Stories from March 9, 2022


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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