WHL Portland Winterhawks

Hawks' Hot Start Fueled by Balanced Contributions

Published on April 5, 2023 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release


Portland, Ore. - The Winterhawks are one win away from advancing to the Western Conference Semi-Final. With a 3-0 series lead in their opening-round playoff match-up against the Silvertips, the Hawks have a chance to sweep the series on Friday night in Everett.

Through the first three games of the series, Portland has found multiple ways to score and has unequivocally put the 'special' in special teams play. The team ranks first with a sterling 41.7% power play and fourth with a 92.9% penalty kill.

"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."

"Power play is clicking," third-year Hawk Marcus Nguyen added. "First unit and second unit, we're all dishing it around."

Marcus Nguyen is the first Winterhawk to score multiple goals in back-to-back #WHLPlayoff games since Oliver Bjorkstrand did so against Victoria in April 2014.

The Hawks have certainly dished it. Four different Winterhawks have scored multiple goals in at least one playoff game and 17 players have already registered a playoff point, including starting goaltender Jan Špunar. During the regular season, the Hawks went 33-0-0-2 when scoring at least four goals. So far, they have scored at least four goals in every playoff win and coupled that scoring with strong performances from Špunar between the pipes each night.

In the most recent home game, the Czech goaltender stopped 23 shots to secure his first career WHL shutout.

"It's hard to describe. I play hockey just for feelings like this after the game, in the dressing room," Špunar said after Saturday's 4-0 shutout win. "It's nice to reach the second win, it's an important win for us. I hope it helps us in the next game."

And he did. He extended a shutout streak of 120:18 minutes that ended late in the third period during a decisive 6-1 win on the road in Game 3, stopping 38 of 39 shots. Špunar is currently ranked inside the top five of WHL goaltenders in wins (3), goals-against average (1.33) and save percentage (.958).

"We've seen it all year how he's getting more and more confidence and I think right now he's at his peak. It's awesome to see. I'm proud of him," alternate captain Kyle Chyzowski said of Špunar's week.

No taking the foot off the gas now. On Friday, the Hawks will battle their division rival once again and the focus remains the same.

"I think rest, a little bit of recovery, and just stick to our game plan," Chyzowski said. "It's working right now, so there is no point in changing it."

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Playoffs are now here! Cheer on the Hawks in round one as they embark on their 12th straight trip to the postseason with a battle against the Everett Silvertips. The action continues in the VMC throughout April, and fans can purchase single-game tickets and playoff packages by calling 503-236-4295!

Check out the Portland Winterhawks Statistics

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Western Hockey League Stories from April 5, 2023


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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