The WHL's 2025 Western Conference Final will feature a clash of U.S. Division rivals, with the Spokane Chiefs taking on the Portland Winterhawks. For the Chiefs, they needed 11 games to reach the final, with their playoff path featuring a five-game series against the Vancouver Giants and a six-game thriller against the Victoria Royals. As for the Winterhawks, they have played 14 games, and needed seven games to defeat both the Prince George Cougars and the Everett Silvertips.
This was a season series with plenty of high-scoring games. Spokane picked up four victories over the six games and scored at least four goals in five of the six matchups. All this being said, the two teams haven't met since February 23, with five of the six games happening prior to the trade deadline.
Starting with the Chiefs, they will need the trio of Andrew Cristall, Berkly Catton and Shea Van Olm to keep on lighting the lamp. All three have at least 20 points in the post-season, with Cristall and Catton tied for the league lead with 28. If this line can keep cashing both at even-strength and on the power play, it will go a long way in helping Spokane clinch a spot in the 2025 WHL Final.
As for Portland, they are going to need a massive performance from Ondrej Štěbeták. The rookie goaltender from Czechia has been phenomenal during the playoffs, making at least 40 saves in five games. Based on the Chiefs' post-season so far, he will be facing a lot of pucks and will need to stand on his head if the Winterhawks have eyes on a second-straight trip to the final.
Ultimately, this series could come down to which team's depth steps up the most. While Portland has had more balanced scoring, Spokane has some young game-breakers who can flip the series on its head. If the first two rounds were any indication, this could be an exciting series that keeps fans on the edge of their seats every night.
Prediction:
Spokane in 6
Season Series:
Spokane Wins 4-2-0-0
Playoff Scoring Leaders:
Spokane:
Andrew Cristall: 10 GP, 13 G, 15 A, 28 P
Berkly Catton: 11 GP, 7 G, 21 A, 28 P
Shea Van Olm: 11 GP, 9 G, 12 A, 21 P
Brayden Crampton: 11 GP, 0 G, 10 A, 10 P
Rasums Ekström: 11 GP, 6 G, 3 A, 9 P
Portland:
Tyson Jugnauth: 14 GP, 3 G, 23 A, 26 P
Kyle Chyzowski: 14 GP, 11 G, 14 A, 25 P
Diego Buttazzoni: 14 GP, 9 G, 9 A, 18P
Alex Weiermair: 14 GP, 8 G, 8 A, 16 P
Carter Sotheran: 14 GP, 6 G, 8 A, 14 GP
Schedule:
Game 1: @ Spokane, Friday, April 25, 7:05 PT
Game 2: @ Spokane, Sunday, April 27, 5:05 PT
Game 3: @ Portland, Wednesday, April 30, 7:00 PT
Game 4: @ Portland, Thursday, May 1, 7:00 PT
*Game 5: @ Portland, Saturday, May 3, 6:00 PT
*Game 6: @ Spokane, Monday, May 5, 7:05 PT
*Game 7: @ Spokane, Tuesday, May 6, 7:05 PT
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