The Portland Winterhawks defeated the Kamloops Blazers Wednesday 4-3. This was the final game between Portland and Kamloops this regular season. With the win, the Winterhawks are now 2-1-1 against the Blazers this season. Portland also now sits at 32-24-4 record for the season, clinching them a playoff birth.
The Winterhawks got off to a hot start Wednesday, as they would score on their first shot of the game. After a save by Ondrej Štěbeták, Joel Plante would pass back behind the net for Tyson Jugnauth. Jugnauth would take a moment to collect the puck, then attempt a stretch pass up to the far blue line. Upon entering the zone, Alex Weiermair would backhand a pass across the middle of the zone. Kamloops defense was there to swat the pass away. However, Joel Plante was there to pick up the loose puck before it left the offensive zone. Plante would skate in, and wrist a shot low blocker side, past Kamloops goaltender, Dylan Ernst. Just 30 seconds into the match, and Portland would grab a 1-0 lead.
Kamloops would answer back near the midway point of the opening period. On the power-play, the Blazers would win an offensive zone draw. Emmitt Finnie would receive a pass from the point, and quickly shift the puck down low to Tommy Lafreniere. From the extended goal line, Lafreniere would pass across the face of the net to Jordan Keller. Keller’s shot would beat a reaching Štěbeták, and tie the game up at 1-1.
Then, late in the period, the Winterhawks regained their momentum. After coincidental penalties led to 4-on-4 hockey, Diego Buttazzoni found space to receive a pass at the Kamloops blue line. As Buttazzoni entered the zone, his teammates to his left and right created a 3-on-2 rush. Splitting the defense and fading across the high slot, Buttazzoni wristed a shot high glove side that would find the back of the net, giving the Winterhawks the 2-1 lead.
Nearly one minute later, Portland would strike again on a steal by Josh Zakreski. From Portland’s defensive blue line, Zakreski would split defenders on a breakaway. Ex-Winterhawk Rhett Ravndahl would catch up to Zakreski as they reached between the faceoff circles. With Ravndahl on his back, Zakreski would go backhand and lift the puck over the glove of Ernst from the top of the crease. Zakreski would score his 33rd goal of the season, and give the Winterhawks a 3-1 lead.
However, the Blazers would get one more power-play goal to end the first period. Portland would deflect a pass through their defensive zone into the corner, but fail to clear the blue line. From just off the boards, Emmitt Finnie would collect the puck, and find Jordan Keller at the far faceoff circle. Keller’s one-timer would knick Štěbeták’s glove on the way into the net, and the Blazers would cut the lead to 3-2.
In the second period, the Winterhawks were able to hold momentum early thanks to a double minor penalty to Kamloops. At 17:18, The Kayd Ruedig would recieve a pass and walk the blue line for Portland’s power-play. Skating to his left, Ruedig would wrist a shot low stick side. The puck would beat Ernst’s blocker pad, and stay inside the post. Ruedig would score his 4th goal of the season, and the Winterhawks would extend their lead to 4-2.
Roughly six minutes later, and the Blazers had their response. A giveaway by Tyson Jugnauth behind the net gave Kamloops possession. Oren Shtrom then passed the puck to the front of the net, where Vit Zahejsky had a good scoring chance. However, rather than taking the in close shot, Zahejsky passed to their right. In doing so, Zahejsky found a wide open Emmitt Finnie for his 34th goal of the year.
Fortunately for Portland, Finnie’s goal would be the last of the game. Štěbeták was tested by 16 shots in the final 20 minutes of play. However, Štěbeták also made a few highlight reel saves against Kamloops. After video review of a toe save by Štěbeták, the rookie goaltender stopped a shorthanded breakaway, a rebound save on the penalty-kill, and a high blocker save on an unguarded Blazer in the high slot. Overall, Štěbeták would make 40 saves, the Winterhawks would hold on to win 4-3.
After the game, I asked Joel Plante, who earned first star of the game what their focus was now that they’re in the final stretch of the regular season. Plante said, “We’re a super fast, skilled team. Determined, super resilient. So I think if we carry all those factors into the playoffs, we’re going to go a long way.”
Portland’s next game is Friday, March 7, against the Seattle Thunderbirds. Puck drop at Veterans Memorial Coliseum is at 7 p.m.
Northwest Sports Desk 