The Portland Winterhawks started October with their first two home games of the regular season. On Friday night, Portland held a ceremony for their 2024 Western Conference Champion banner. Their opponents for the home opener, were last year’s first round playoff contenders, the Victoria Royals. Portland was ready for the challenge, as the Winterhawks would win 5-3 over Victoria. The Power-Play for Portland became the story of the night, scoring 3 of their 5 goals, including the eventual game winner. The following night, Portland was in a duel with the team they beat in the conference finals, the Prince George Cougars. It was the lowest scoring game Portland has played in this season, with only 5 goals in total. However, it was Ryan Miller with three seconds remaining in regulation, that would be the hero of the night. Miller’s goal would give the Winterhawks a 3-2 victory, and weekend sweep of their first two home games. Here are three takeaways from the Winterhawks first weekend back home.
First, Ryan Miller had a standout weekend. Miller had two goals against the Victoria Royals. Then, Miller had a game winning goal and an assist against Prince George. The 17 year old from Medicine Hat, Alberta ended the weekend +3 in the plus/minus statistic. Last season, Miller had 15 points in 44 games. After this weekend, Miller is well above pace to crush those numbers. Currently, Miller has five points in five games.
Secondly, Portland’s goalie room is better than we think. After the 8-2 loss to the Everett Silvertips, there were some questions about how these goalies would do once they returned home. However, Ondrej Štěbeták helped silence those doubts. Against Victoria, Štěbeták saved 39 of 42 shots, for a save % of 92.9%. The following night, Marek Schlenker then saved 38 of 40 shots in the Winterhawks win against the Prince George Cougars. This was also Marek Schlenker’s first every WHL start. Between Štěbeták, Schlenker, and even Luke Brunen, there’s a high potential for this squad.
Lastly, Portland is now 4-1 through the first three weeks of the regular season. However, there is one red flag through all five of these games. The Winterhawks have been out shot in every game this season so far. Portland’s averaging 30.2 shots per game. Last year, this offense piled on the shots, and 30.2 is still a significant number of chances. However, they’re averaging 39 shots against per game. Meaning this goalie room that has minimal experience in the WHL, is really being tested each night. Despite the shot differential though, Portland is 4-1 through their first five games.
Portland’s next game is Tuesday, Oct. 8th as the Winterhawks take to the road for another matchup against the Prince George Cougars with puck drop set for 7 p.m.
Northwest Sports Desk 