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WHL Portland Winterhawks

Winterhawks Weekly: Hawks Start Hot, Take 3-0 Series Lead

April 4, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release


2023 WHL Playoffs Winterhawks Weekly

The Portland Winterhawks opened up the 2023 WHL Playoffs on an absolute tear, knocking off the Everett Silvertips three straight times to push their opponent to the brink of elimination in their first-round series. Home wins on Friday and Saturday and a big 6-1 road win in Everett on Monday have the Hawks flying high with Game 4 set for Friday at Angel of the Winds Arena.

Hot Hawks:

Forward Josh Zakreski has picked up four helpers to start the playoffs with a pair of two-point performances in Games 1 and 3. The rookie winger leads the team in assists through three games.

Forward Marcus Nguyen raced out of the gates this postseason, recording back-to-back two-goal showings in Games 1 and 2. The Calgary, Alta. native leads the club with four goals in the playoffs.

Forward Robbie Fromm-Delorme has hit the scoresheet in each game thus far, scoring the team's first goal of the playoffs on Friday before posting three assists across the next two contests.

Forward Jack O'Brien has also posted a three-game point streak to open his postseason with four points in that span. The Colorado product posted an assist in Game 1 and Game 3 to sandwich a two-goal effort in Game 2.

Forward Kyle Chyzowski chipped in two helpers in Game 1, then helped lead Portland's dominant Game 3 showing with two goals in Everett. After posting five points in 11 playoff games last year, the 18-year-old already boasts four points in three outings in 2023.

Forward James Stefan tallied twice in Game 3 and has recorded points in each contest. Stefan's first strike came as the game-winner in Game 1, and the Laguna Beach, Calif. native is up to 10 points in 14 career playoff games.

Goaltender Jan Špunar has been stellar at the start of his first postseason, stopping 92 of 96 total shots and earning his first WHL shutout in Game 2 to backstop the Hawks to a 3-0 series lead.

Play of the Week:

Plenty of options for this week as the team has lit up the scoreboard with 14 goals in three games, but let's take a moment to appreciate Ryder Thompson's quarterback skills. The Hawks blueliner wisely looks up ice as he collects a puck in the corner, then launches a pass to a streaking Gabe Klassen at center for a breakaway tally in Game 3.

Weekly Rewind:

Game 1: Portland 4 vs Everett 3 (Friday)

Two Marcus Nguyen tallies and a late James Stefan strike helped the Winterhawks knock off the Silvertips 4-3 to take a 1-0 lead in their first-round playoff series.

Game 2: Portland 4 vs Everett 0 (Saturday):

Two goals apiece from Marcus Nguyen and Jack O'Brien and a 23-save shutout from Jan Špunar carried the Winterhawks to a 4-0 win over the Silvertips in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.

Game 3: Portland 6 at Everett 1 (Monday):

Led by another pair of two-goal efforts from two different forwards, the Winterhawks routed the Silvertips for the second straight game, taking Game 3 by a 6-1 final.

The Week Ahead:

The first round rolls on as the Hawks look to close out the Silvertips this weekend! A decisive Game 4 is set for Friday in Everett at 7:05 P.M. as Portland aims for the sweep. Should the Silvertips win on Friday, we'll see you in the VMC for another chance to wrap up the series on Saturday! Puck drop is tentatively set for 6:00 P.M. for a potential Game 5.

Upcoming WHL Playoff Games:

Game 4 - Friday, April 7 - at Everett

Game 5 - Saturday, April 8 - vs Everett (if necessary)

Game 6 - Monday, April 10 - at Everett (if necessary)

Game 7 - Tuesday, April 11 - vs Everett (if necessary)

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Playoffs are in full swing! The Hawks hold a 3-0 series lead over the Everett Silvertips and will be back on home ice before you know it! Whether it's Game 5 or Round 2 action, you can secure your seats by calling 503-236-4295 today!

Check out the Portland Winterhawks Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from April 4, 2023


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