Just over twenty games are left in the regular season and the US Division is no closer to determining its champion, let alone its divisional representatives. With only ten points separating first and fourth place and over forty points per team still available to be had, the race is certain to be undecided until the final week which isn’t until the middle of March.
On the road this week, Portland lost four of those points against teams from the BC Division as they faced the top of the Western Conference and the division’s wildcard team. The Hawks headed into Kelowna to face the Rockets, a team that Portland has owned for the past few years, but has rebounded to be an almost unstoppable team this season. In Kelowna, Portland picked up a lead in the first period of 2-1 and seemed to be holding court headed into the second period. Kelowna had other ideas as they would pick up a regular strength goal early in the period, followed by a powerplay goal just a minute later. Penalty trouble late in the second period led Kelowna to an early goal and opened a three goal margin midway through the third period with yet another powerplay goal. The three goals on seven opportunities helped to sever any life left in the Winterhawks. Portland would add a late goal in the third, but it was too little, too late and the Rockets would take the 5-3 win. Portland’s inability on four powerplays of their own certainly didn’t help their cause. Adin Hill was the major player in this game as he faced 44 Kelowna shots versus only 24 fired on Michael Herringer in the Rockets net.
A three hour drive to Kamloops to face the Blazers was next up on the docket and the Hawks found themselves in trouble early. Giving up a powerplay goal just under four minutes in the first period and an early goal in the second period, seemed to give Kamloops the lift they wanted. However, Portland found a way to fight back as Alex Schoenborn added to his magical scoring season just a couple minutes after the Kamloops score to put some momentum Portland’s way. Despite the pressure on Connor Ingram in the Kamloops net, the Hawks would be down one at the end of two periods. It would be just four minutes remaining in the final period that Jack Dougherty on the powerplay, would manage to pull the Hawks even. Kamloops would not be denied as breakdowns in the Winterhawks defensive zone, gave Kamloops what they needed to get the puck past Adin Hill.
With only ninety seconds remaining in the period, Kamloops took a delay of game penalty for shooting the puck over the glass and the Hawks made the move to pull Adin Hill for the extra attacker. The Hawks were buzzing around the Kamloops net, but unable to get the puck past Ingram. With time winding down , a desperate pass in the Kamloops defensive zone was intercepted and brought into the Hawks zone. Despite an attempt at a save by defenceman Caleb Jones, the puck hit the twine and ended the Hawks night with a 4-2 loss. Both goaltenders made some incredible saves throughout the game that kept it tight all game long, but it was special teams that made the difference. Kamloops was 1 for 1 on the powerplay also adding a short-handed empty net goal, while Portland was only able to convert 1 of 5 opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Spokane Chiefs, who the Hawks had led in the standings at the start of the weekend, dropped a 7-3 decision to the last place Tri-City Americans but followed up with a 4-1 win over US Division leading Everett Silvertips. With the win and Hawks losses, the Chiefs pulled a point ahead of Portland with two games in hand. Seattle Thunderbirds dropped a 2-1 battle to Everett and then shutout Kelowna 2-0.
Portland continues its US Division battles this week with a road game against the Everett Silvertips who are currently operating with just one goaltender due to injury and then back to back home games against Seattle and Victoria. All three of these matchups are important for all teams involved as Seattle and Everett battle for top spot in the US Division while trying to stop the progress of Portland and Spokane. Tri-City, who sits just six points out of a playoff spot, is also making its case as well. The BC Division sees Victoria sitting just four points back of Kelowna with Prince George Cougars four points behind the Royals. Kamloops who is nine points back of the Cougars, has a bit of a cushion with three games in hand and nine points up on last place Vancouver.
Ice Chips: The Winterhawks weekend’s games feature a couple of events that are certain to appeal to all ages. First up will be the annual Mascot Night on Friday. Tom-A-Hawk invites his mascot friends to a meet and greet on the concourse pregame and then a game of shimmy hockey on the ice during an intermission. Fans are encouraged to bring their cameras for the photo-ops. The action moves to a more adult nature on Saturday with Guy’s Night where men over 21 can shoot on the net after the game to win prizes from Widmer Brewing.
The Portland Winterhawks Booster Club opens up its membership drive this weekend and hopes to continue its strong membership of close to or over 500 members over the past several years. Preseason renewals will be entered to win a team signed stick.
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