Winterhawks Weekly: Hawks Roll into Playoffs with Six Straight Wins
Published on April 18, 2022 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release
The Winterhawks wrapped up the regular season with two wins over U.S Division rivals last week and head into the playoffs with wins in six straight outings. Portland's pair of victories also pushed its season-long total to 47 wins in 68 games - the most of any U.S. Division team this season.
The Hawks now head into a first-round best-of-seven matchup with the Prince George Cougars starting at the VMC on Friday at 7:00 P.M.
Hot Hawks:
Forward James Stefan stepped up with the overtime tally on Tuesday (as well as an earlier helper), then set up another goal in Portland's romp past Everett on Friday. Stefan has three multi-point outings in his last five games.
Forward Jack O'Brien netted goals in both games last week for his second goal-scoring streak of the season. O'Brien has found the scoresheet in four consecutive contests (4G, 2A) and has goals in three of those.
Forward Jaydon Dureau posted an assist in Tuesday's victory, then tallied two in his final regular-season home game to pace the team's 5-1 win over the Silvertips. Dureau has points in six straight (7G, 2A) and has 10 goals - including two hat-tricks - and six assists for 16 points in just his last 10 outings.
Forward Kyle Chyzowski nabbed a goal on Tuesday then picked up a helper on Friday to stretch his point streak to four games (2G, 3A).
Defenseman Kurtis Smythe returned from two-game suspension on Friday to record one assist and his first goal of the season. Smythe's pair of points marked his second multi-point outing of the year, and his goal ensured that each Winterhawk dressed for that game had lit the lamp during the 2021-22 campaign.
Play of the Week:
On Friday, Jaydon Dureau found some time and space before pulling out his patented breakaway dangle to blow the roof off the VMC as he put the Hawks up by a pair en route to a 5-1 win over Everett.
Weekly Rewind:
Portland 4 at Tri-City 3 (Tuesday):
After a late Tri-City tally forced overtime, James Stefan ripped home the deciding goal on the power play at 1:37 of the extra frame to help the Winterhawks take the extra point by a 4-3 final in Kennewick.
Portland 5 vs Everett 1 (Friday):
Jaydon Dureau, Kurtis Smythe, Aidan Litke and Jack O'Brien each tallied two points as the Winterhawks rattled off five unanswered goals to knock off the visiting Silvertips 5-1 on Friday night.
The Week Ahead:
PLAYOFF SEASON HAS ARRIVED, PORTLAND!
Game 1 (Game A) of the Winterhawks' first-round series arrives at the VMC on Friday at 7:00 P.M. as the club takes on the Prince George Cougars. Then it's a short turnaround as the teams face off in Game 2 (Game B) at the VMC on Saturday at 6:00 P.M.
Prior to Game 2, join us for the Toyota Fan Fest on the Rose Quarter commons outside the VMC! Enjoy food trucks, a beer garden, live entertainment and more! Make sure to arrive early to welcome the Winterhawks players as they arrive to the arena around 3:15 P.M. for Saturday's matchup! Click here for more Fan Fest details.
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It's playoff season! Winterhawks single-game tickets and 11-game playoff packages are on-sale NOW! Be there for every thrilling moment as the Hawks make their 11th consecutive postseason appearance. Call 503-236-4295 to speak to a Winterhawks ticket-sales representative today!
Western Hockey League Stories from April 18, 2022
- Royals' Schuurman, Parker to Represent Canada at Upcoming IIHF U18 World Hockey Championships - Victoria Royals
- Pats Captain Logan Nijhoff Winner of Dayna Brons Honorary Award - Regina Pats
- Winterhawks Weekly: Hawks Roll into Playoffs with Six Straight Wins - Portland Winterhawks
- Bedard, Howe Named to Canada's U18 World Championship Roster - Regina Pats
- Lukas Dragicevic to Compete at IIHF U18 World Championship - Tri-City Americans
- Siepmann and Buenaventura Named to Hockey Canada U-18 Roster - Calgary Hitmen
- 13 WHL Players to Represent Canada at 2022 IIHF World U18 Championship - WHL
- Lakovic Shakes off Nerves in WHL Debut - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Pats Forward Bedard Named WHL Player of the Week - Regina Pats
- Raiders Netminder Chaika Named WHL Goaltender of the Week - WHL
- Pats Forward Bedard Named WHL Player Of The Week - WHL
- Silvertip Send-Off: Hunter Campbell Finishes "Surreal" Run with Hometown Team - Everett Silvertips
- Oil Kings Recall Gavin Hodnett - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Winterhawks Announce Schedule for First Round of WHL Playoffs - Portland Winterhawks
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