The Portland Winterhawks are about to start their 2024 postseason against the Victoria Royals. Here’s what you need to know before this best of seven series begins.
Portland won the U.S. Division this year with a 48-15-4-1 overall record. They are the number two seed out of the Western Conference, meaning that they will have home ice advantage for at least the first two rounds of the WHL playoffs if they advance. Victoria finished the season with a 29-30-5-4 record, earning them the 7th overall seed in the conference.
The Winterhawks and the Royals have met four times this season. Portland is 4-0 in those matchups, but two of those games required extra time. Their first meeting on November 22nd, saw the Winterhawks winning 4-3 in a shootout. Luke Brunen made 24 saves on 27 shots in his third start for Portland that night. The next time these two met was in back to back games on February 22nd and 23rd. Portland would win both games, and outscore Victoria that weekend by a total of 11-4. The last time these two teams played, was on March 2nd at Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The Winterhawks would win 5-4, thanks to an overtime goal by James Stefan.
Speaking of James Stefan, he’ll be one of the key players to watch this series. Stefan leads the Winterhawks in goals this season, scoring 50 goals in 67 games. Stefan ended the regular season tied for the fourth most goals in the WHL. Against Victoria, Stefan has three goals, three assists, and one shootout goal.
For the Royals, one storyline to follow is Dawson Pasternak. The ex-Portland Winterhawk leads the Royals in points and assists this season. Pasternak is also 2nd on the team in goals with 27 in total. In the four games against the Winterhawks, Pasternak picked up one goal and six assists.
Game one for Portland started Friday, March 28 in Portland. Game two was set for Saturday, March 30.
Northwest Sports Desk 