WHL Portland Winterhawks

Winterhawks Playoff Bound

February 17, 2019 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release


For the tenth straight season, the Portland Winterhawks are heading to the WHL postseason. The Hawks beat the Thunderbirds 5-2 at the Moda Center on Sunday evening in front of a crowd of 9,000-plus fans.

Joachim Blichfeld increased his goal-scoring and point lead in the Western Hockey League with the help of a hat trick. Both of his second period goals came on special teams and the hat trick goal was the loan score in the third period. His third goal of the night was also the 100th of his WHL regular season career.

Portland controlled the game offensively with 52 shots on goal, their highest total in 2019. The Winterhawks become the fourth Western Hockey League team to punch its ticket to the 2019 playoffs.

NOTABLES:

The victory marks Mike Johnston's 350th career win as a head coach of the Portland Winterhawks.

Blichfeld recorded his fourth career WHL hat trick and 11th time he has recorded four or more points in a single game.

Josh Paterson cashed in on a two-point night, his third multi-point game with the Winterhawks in the last month.

Cody Glass picked up three primary assists. It's the eighth time this season Glass has recorded three assists in a game this year.

Portland's special team play helped the team in the win, scoring twice on the man advantage and once shorthanded. The Hawks have 11 shorthanded goals, which is second among WHL teams.

The Hawks have won six straight meetings against Seattle to improve to 7-2-0-0 head-to-head this year with three meetings left.

THE BOX SCORE (Click the hyperlink to find all the scoring details)

SHOTS ON GOAL:

POR: 52

SEA: 36

POWER PLAY:

POR: 2/3

SEA: 1/2

SAVES:

POR: Joel Hofer with 34 saves.

SEA: Cole Schwebius with 47 saves.

Check out the Portland Winterhawks Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from February 17, 2019


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.

OurSports Central