2024 WHL Playoffs Preview, Round 2: 2) Portland Winterhawks vs 3) Everett Silvertips
A preview of the second-round playoff series between the Portland Winterhawks and Everett Silvertips.
- 2024 WHL Playoffs Preview, Round 2: 2) Portland Winterhawks vs 3) Everett SilvertipsThe Portland Winterhawks are set to do battle in the playoffs for the second consecutive season. In 2023, the Winterhawks defeated Everett 4-1 in the first round, with Robbie Fromm-Delorme scoring the overtime winner for Portland in Game 5. With a spot in the WHL's West Final on the line, both U.S. Division teams are ready to fight tooth and nail to advance past the second round.
Coming off a sweep of the Victoria Royals, the Winterhawks are the favourites heading into their second-round matchup against the Silvertips. Five players have six points or more through four games, including Luca Cagnoni, who finished the first round with three goals and seven points. Whether it is their dangerous offence, strong defensive structure or excellent goaltending from Jan Špunar, Portland has built a team that looks destined for the WHL Final.
After losing Game 1, Everett put on a dominating performance against the Vancouver Giants in Games 2 through 5. The Silvertips are relentless and can attack in waves, which is why they surpassed 50 shots in multiple games during the first round. A team that can skate arguably better than anyone else in the league, Evertt will need to take advantage of their power play opportunities if they want to advance to the West Final.
Prediction: Portland in six
Playoff Schedule
Game 1: Friday, April 12 @ Portland, 7:00 p.m. PT
Game 2: Saturday, April 13 @ Portland, 6:00 p.m. PT
Game 3: Monday, April 15 @ Everett, 7:05 p.m. PT
Game 4: Friday, April 19 @ Everett, 7:05 p.m. PT
*Game 5: Saturday, April 20 @ Everett, 6:05 p.m. PT
*Game 6: Monday, April 22 @ Portland, 7:00 p.m. PT
*Game 7: Tuesday, April 23 @ Portland, 7:00 p.m. PT
Season Series:
Portland 6-2-0-0
Everett 2-5-0-1
Portland 0 @ Everett 4 (Feb 18, 2024) Final
Everett 2 @ Portland 10 (Feb 13, 2024) Final
Everett 4 @ Portland 5 (Jan 5, 2024) Final SO
Portland 6 @ Everett 3 (Dec 10, 2023) Final
Portland 3 @ Everett 6 (Nov 24, 2023) Final
Everett 4 @ Portland 6 (Nov 19, 2023) Final
Portland 5 @ Everett 1 (Oct 21, 2023) Final
Everett 1 @ Portland 4 (Oct 6, 2023) Final
Leading Scorers During Season Series:
Portland Winterhawks
1) Gabe Klassen: 8 GP, 4 G, 11 A, 15 P
2) James Stefan: 8 GP, 7 G, 5 A, 12 P
3) Josh Davies: 7 GP, 5 G, 4 A, 9 P
4) Jack O'Brien: 8 GP, 5 G, 4 A, 9 P
5) Luca Cagnoni: 8 GP, 1 G, 8 A, 9 P
Everett Silvertips
1) Teague Patton: 8 GP, 4 G, 3 A, 7 P
2) Austin Roest: 7 GP, 4 G, 3 A, 7 P
3) Ben Hemmerling: 8 GP, 2 G, 5 A, 7 P
4) Julius Miettinen: 8 GP, 2 G, 4 A, 6 P
5) Dominik Rymon: 6 GP, 1 G, 4 A, 5 P
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