A preview of the first-round playoff series between the Portland Winterhawks and the Victoria Royals.

The two-vs-seven matchup in the Eastern Conference will feature the Portland Winterhawks facing off against the Victoria Royals. These two teams have not matched up in the playoff since 2014, when the Winterhawks defeated the Royals 4-1 in the second round. A series Portland swept during the regular season, the Winterhawks were able to score at least four goals in each game against the Royals this year.

The Winterhawks have been on a tear all season and are easily one of the favourites to represent the WHL in this year's Memorial Cup. It doesn't seem to matter which line head coach Mike Johnston throws out; they can compete with anyone and have no issues racking up the goals. Overall, they are a matchup nightmare with players like Gabe Klassen, James Stefan, Luca Cagnoni, Tyson Jugnauth and Nate Danielson all ready to put on a show in the postseason.

Victoria needs to just play their game and let their stars take over. Dawson Pasternak and Cole Reschny have been superb all season, while the returns of Austin Zemlak, Justin Kipkie, and Nate Misskey will undoubtedly provide a boost on the blue line. Ultimately, they have a talented group that could surprise some this postseason. 

Prediction: Portland in 4 

Playoff Schedule

Game 1: Friday, March 29, 7:00 p.m. PT @ Portland

Game 2: Saturday, March 30, 6:00 p.m. PT @ Portland

Game 3: Tuesday, April 2, 7:05 p.m. PT @ Victoria

Game 4: Wednesday, April 3,  7:05 p.m. PT @ Victoria

*Game 5: Friday, April 5, 7:05 p.m. PT @ Victoria

* Game 6: Sunday, April 7, 5:00 p.m. PT @ Portland

*Game 7: Tuesday, April 9, 7:00 p.m. PT @ Portland

Season Series:

Portland Winterhawks: 4-0-0-0

Victoria Royals: 0-2-1-1

Victoria 4 @ Portland 5 (Mar 2, 2024) Final OT
Portland 5 @ Victoria 2 (Feb 24, 2024) Final
Portland 6 @ Victoria 2 (Feb 23, 2024) Final
Victoria 3 @ Portland 4 (Nov 22, 2023) Final SO

Leading Scorers During Season Series:

Portland Winterhawks:

1) James Stefan- 4 GP, 3 G, 3 A, 6 P
2) Jack O'Brien- 4 GP, 1 G, 5 A, 6 P 
3) Gabe Klassen- 4 GP, 2 G, 3 A, 5 P
4) Kyle Chyzowski 4 GP, 0 G, 5 A, 5 P
5) Josh Zakreski 4 GP, 3 G, 1 A, 4 P

Victoria Royals:

1) Dawson Pasternak- 4 GP, 1 G, 6 A, 7 P
2) Tyson Laventure- 3 GP, 3 G, 2 A, 5 P
3) Cole Reschny- 4 GP, 3 G, 2 A, 5 P
4) Casper Evensen Haugen- 4 GP, 3 G, 1 A, 4 P 
5) Justin Kipkie 4 GP, 0 G, 2 A, 2 P

Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

2024 WHL Playoffs Preview: 2) Swift Current Broncos vs 7) Lethbridge Hurricanes

2024 WHL Playoffs Preview: 1) Prince George Cougars vs 8) Spokane Chiefs

2024 WHL Playoffs Preview: 1) Saskatoon Blades vs 8) Prince Albert Raiders

Prince George Cougars' Riley Heidt Signs His Entry-Level Contract With The Minnesota Wild

Prince Albert Raiders Clinch Final Postseason Spot Ahead Of The 2024 WHL Playoffs

Swift Current Broncos Capture First Division Title Since 2001

WHL Players Could Achieve Feat Not Seen This Century

U17 Players Showing The Future Is Bright In The WHL