Game Day Hub: Round 1, Game 4 at Everett
Published on April 7, 2023 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release
2023 WHL Playoffs Winterhawks Game Day Preview
Portland Winterhawks at Everett Silvertips
The Winterhawks take on the Silvertips in Game 4 with a chance to advance to Round 2 with a victory.
Puck Drop: 7:05 P.M. PT
Venue: Angel of the Winds Arena - Everett, WA
Uniforms: Red
Portland leads series 3-0
Game 1 - Everett 3 @ Portland 4 (Mar 31 2023) Final
Game 2 - Everett 0 @ Portland 4 (Apr 1 2023) Final
Game 3 - Portland 6 @ Everett 1 (Apr 3 2023) Final
Listen Live: Winterhawks Radio Network and on the Winterhawks App
Watch Live: WHL Live on CHL TV
Game Notes: Winterhawks Game Notes
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Upcoming WHL Playoff Games:
Game 5 - Saturday, April 8 - vs Everett (if necessary) - BUY TICKETS
Game 6 - Monday, April 10 - at Everett (if necessary)
Game 7 - Tuesday, April 11 - vs Everett (if necessary)
FOLLOW ALONG: Box Score
Match Point
A tight win in Game 1 springboarded the Winterhawks to dominant victories in Games 2 and 3, outscoring the Silvertips 10-1 in those two contests. Their strong play has pushed the Hawks to the doorstep of Round 2, needing just one win to knock out Everett. Of course, "just one win" has to come against a team playing for its season, a new level of desperation that the Hawks will have to match if they want to wrap up the series this evening.
And make no mistake - Everett has the talent to stay alive and force Game 5 in Portland tomorrow night. But after last year's playoff run, Portland's veterans will certainly have learned the importance of landing the knockout blow when they have the chance. Look for the Hawks to come out swinging in a decisive matchup.
All Together Now
Portland's offense has come alive in the postseason with 14 goals in three games, with contributions coming from throughout the lineup. At least one skater has scored twice in each game thus far, including Marcus Nguyen (twice!), Jack O'Brien, Kyle Chyzowski and James Stefan, and 17 out of 19 players have recorded at least one point. Even the young guns are getting in on the fun - rookie Kyle McDonough picked up his first WHL point setting up fellow first-year Nick Johnson for his first playoff goal on Monday.
"We always say during the year different guys can step up at any time," said Chyzowski after Game 3. "That's one of the best parts about our team and we're starting to see it again now. Different guys step up in huge ways to capitalize and help us win these games. I'm proud of the guys."
Powered Up
Special teams play has been one of the key factors in Portland's dominance thus far. The team ranks first in the WHL with a sterling 41.7% power play and fourth with a 92.9% penalty kill. From the first puck drop of the playoffs, the Hawks have swarmed in odd-man situations to generate momentum.
"For me, special teams gives your bench a lot of confidence and a lot of energy," Head Coach and General Manager Mike Johnston said after the Hawks' 4-3 win in Game 1. "If your power play goes out and gets chances, that's key. And I liked our penalty kill (Friday night). I thought we took away lanes, we were good on their entries, and it's something in the series where you know both teams are going to make adjustments as the series goes along."
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Western Hockey League Stories from April 7, 2023
- Graduation: Mason Ward - Swift Current Broncos
- Game Day Hub: Round 1, Game 4 at Everett - Portland Winterhawks
- Blades vs Pats at 7:00pm in Game Five - Saskatoon Blades
- Pats Eye 3-2 Series Lead in Saskatoon - Regina Pats
- Ams and Cougars Faceoff for Game 5 at the Toyota Center - Tri-City Americans
- Giants Fall in Overtime, Drop Series vs Kamloops - Vancouver Giants
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.
